News
Find news releases and announcements about the agency in our virtual newsroom.
Season premiere: New segment of US 12 near Walla Walla opened Friday, June 2
TOUCHET – Just in time for summertime travel, drivers can now enjoy a wider, safer stretch of highway in southeast Washington. On Friday, June 2, the Washington State Department of Transportation and its contractor Atkinson Construction opened the new 11-mile segment of US 12 about halfway between the Wallula Junction…
Public invited to learn about construction on US 12 and I-82 in Yakima at a drop-in session on June 7
YAKIMA – Roadwork on the US 12 and Interstate 82 bridge decks near North First Street in Yakima will bring closures and detours each summer and fall for two years. Members of the community are invited to learn about the upcoming construction project at a drop-in session on Wednesday, June 7, at the North Town…
A state first: Lane striping on I-5 in Fife turns orange this summer to help drivers notice the work zone
FIFE – For the first time in Washington, orange lane striping will be added to white lane lines in an active work zone to test whether the brightly colored paint helps improve work zone awareness and safety.
Northbound I-5 in Seattle closes overnight June 6-8, express lanes will remain open for through traffic
SEATTLE – To install signs and other electrical work for the Seneca mobility project on Interstate 5, the northbound mainline lanes and the collector/distributor ramp that brings traffic from I-90 onto the freeway will undergo four overnight closures on Monday, June 5, through the morning of Friday, June 9.
Why there will probably be roadwork during the event you’re going to this summer
With 116 projects scheduled this summer – not counting day-to-day maintenance, emergencies and local city and county projects – there is a lot to get done in a short timeframe.
Public invited to help shape future transportation needs along US 12 near Naches
The town of Naches, the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments and the Washington State Department of Transportation are studying ways to improve safety and bicycle and pedestrian connections along US 12 in Naches.
Public invited to weigh in on the future of I-5 through the Nisqually Valley
LACEY – Community members have an opportunity to provide feedback on a report that will help shape the future of Interstate 5 through the Nisqually Valley.
UPDATE: Northbound US 101 Hoquiam River Bridge closing for eight nights this June and July
UPDATE: HOQUIAM – Plan for up to eight overnight closures of the northbound US 101 Hoquiam River Bridge this June and July in Hoquiam. Travelers will detour via the Simpson Avenue Bridge while crews repair the machine rooms on the Hoquiam River Bridge.
Many projects this summer will help bring improvements to state highways in King, Snohomish counties
With projects affecting all of the region’s major freeways this summer – as well as many projects on smaller state highways – people need to plan ahead for travel, whether it’s the everyday commute or the big summer road trip.
Closures planned on highways near Port Ludlow as work kicks off to remove two fish barriers
PORT LUDLOW – Efforts to restore fish habitat back to a more natural state has begun on State Route 104 and SR 19 in Jefferson County.
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.