News
Find news releases and announcements about the agency in our virtual newsroom.
2022 state ferry ridership up slightly from 2021
SEATTLE – Washington State Ferries carried 17.4 million riders in 2022. That’s a total ridership increase of roughly 100,000 – or 0.5% – over 2021.
New year, new closure: SR 520 closing across the lake the first weekend of January
SEATTLE – Travelers should plan ahead and find alternate routes this weekend for trips across Lake Washington between Seattle and the Eastside. Beginning Friday night, crews will close both directions of SR 520 and all associated ramps between Interstate 5 in Seattle and 92nd Avenue Northeast in Clyde Hill. The…
Emergency slide repairs underway on SR 109 in Taholah
TAHOLAH - Emergency contract crews have begun repairs to SR 109 at milepost 39 near Taholah following a slide in early November. The contractor expects to complete work in February.
Construction concludes for winter on new US 395 interchange at Ridgeline Drive in Kennewick
KENNEWICK - Construction for the season on the new US 395 interchange at Ridgeline Drive in Kennewick and will resume in the spring when weather allows.
Ferries to host virtual community meetings with an update on service restoration
SEATTLE – Have a question for Washington State Ferries? Riders and other community members are encouraged to attend upcoming virtual community meetings designed to provide updates about the ferry system.
‘Tis the season for busy state ferries
SEATTLE – Hundreds of thousands of people will be dashing through the sea in white and green ferry boats through the end of the year.
New passenger trains coming to the I-5 corridor
OLYMPIA – A new fleet of Northwest-themed Amtrak Cascades trains will transport passengers in style between Seattle, Vancouver, BC, Portland and other stations along the I-5 corridor when eight new trainsets and two new locomotives arrive in the Pacific Northwest in 2026.
Grace period for suspension of late fees, civil penalties for unpaid tolls ends March 2023
SEATTLE - Customers encouraged to act now to take advantage of options to lower their existing bills and avoid a higher toll bill
The ‘most wonderful time of the year’ means planning for a busy holiday travel weekend
OLYMPIA - People preparing for holly jolly festivities this season are urged to plan now for winter weather and expect delays while traveling on state highways, waterways or railways.
Emergency slide repairs wrap up on SR 165 south of Carbonado
CARBONADO - Emergency repair work at two slide locations on State Route 165, just south of Carbonado, has been completed, with final paving coming in the new year.
Slow down – lives are on the line.
In 2023, speeding continued to be a top reason for work zone crashes.
Even one life lost is too many.
Fatal work zone crashes doubled in 2023 - Washington had 10 fatal work zone crashes on state roads.
It's in EVERYONE’S best interest.
95% of people hurt in work zones are drivers, their passengers or passing pedestrians, not just our road crews.