News

Find news releases and announcements about the agency in our virtual newsroom. 

Nine-day closure of SR 516 in Des Moines begins Sept. 15

Posted 09/08/2023

DES MOINES – A full closure of State Route 516 for nine days in Des Moines begins Friday, Sept. 15, while crews work to replace a failing culvert that blocks fish passage on Barnes Creek. A signed detour will be in place for the duration of the closure, which ends Sunday, Sept. 24.

Both directions of SR 203 in Carnation closing Sept. 15-18

Posted 09/08/2023

CARNATION – Both directions of State Route 203 north of Carnation will close the weekend of Sept. 15-18 for a fish passage barrier removal project on a tributary to Horseshoe Lake. Fish cannot swim through the existing culvert running beneath the road, so crews will remove it and replace it with a fish-passable…

Southbound I-5 off-ramps to Mercer Street in Seattle closing four consecutive weekends starting Sept. 8

Posted 09/08/2023

SEATTLE – Travelers heading to Seattle’s South Lake Union area will soon need to prepare for four consecutive weekend closures of the southbound Interstate 5 off-ramps to Mercer Street.

WSDOT provides I-405/SR 167 program updates via virtual meeting with executive advisory group

Posted 09/08/2023

BELLEVUE – The public is invited to attend a meeting with the Interstate 405/State Route 167 Corridor Program Executive Advisory Group Thursday, Sept. 14, to hear updates on work occurring across the 50-plus mile corridor.

Safety improvement project on East Sims Way/SR 20 in Port Townsend begins Sept. 12

Posted 09/07/2023

PORT TOWNSEND – The intersection of East Sims Way/State Route 20 and Kearney Street in Port Townsend will have a different look after the completion of a safety improvement project. Work begins Tuesday, Sept. 12, and is expected to be finished late this fall.

Weeklong closure on SR 539/Guide Meridian in Lynden begins Sept. 18

Posted 09/07/2023

LYNDEN – Frequent travelers along State Route 539/Guide Meridian between Front and Main streets may have seen the early signs of construction at the SR 539 Duffner Ditch fish passage project site, beginning in early August. Later this month, they will detour around the site during a full closure of the roadway.

Nighttime ramp closures coming to Clark County for pavement improvements this September

Posted 09/06/2023

VANCOUVER – More than 40 highway ramps in Clark County will get a facelift starting this month, creating a safer and smoother ride before the rainy season begins. While work is underway, nighttime travelers should plan for ramp closures along Interstate 5, I-205, State Route 14 and SR 500.

Washington…

Seattle/Bainbridge state ferry route closed to drive-on passengers Sept. 7-13

Posted 09/05/2023

SEATTLE – Washington State Ferries is replacing the 50-year-old pedestrian walkway at its Bainbridge Island ferry terminal. Setting the massive new walkway structures onto their giant footings requires closing vehicle service on the Seattle/Bainbridge route so crews can safely carry out the work.

Pavement repair project on SR 18 and ramps across King and Snohomish counties begins Sept. 11

Posted 09/05/2023

MAPLE VALLEY – A project to repair and preserve pavement beginning work in mid-September will improve the driving surface along a 5-mile section of State Route 18 east of Maple Valley and at on- and off-ramps across King and Snohomish counties.

Getting to know the Wapato Way roundabout - Part II

Posted 09/05/2023

Read part two of the Wapato Way roundabout blog series, "It likes big trucks, and it cannot lie: Is a roundabout safe for trucks?"

Slow down on ice and snow.

It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.

Carry chains, practice installing them.

Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.

Pack your winter car kit.

Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.