News

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

Public can learn about construction coming to SR 509 in south King County

Posted 09/04/2024

SEATAC – People interested in learning more about the State Route 509 expressway construction work planned in SeaTac, Burien, Kent and Des Moines can visit an online open house through Friday, Oct. 25.

Four-day closure of SR 20 at Olson Creek begins Sept. 9 in Marblemount to modify fish passage

Posted 09/04/2024

MARBLEMOUNT – People traveling along State Route 20 in Marblemount the week of Monday, Sept. 9, will encounter a detour while crews perform work as part of the Olson Creek fish passage project.

Full closure of southbound I-405 in Bothell for paving Sept. 6-9

Posted 09/03/2024

BOTHELL– Travelers should plan for a full closure of southbound Interstate 405 in Bothell from 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, to 4 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9 as contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation pave the roadway.

Narrow lanes and major delays start Sept. 5 on I-90 across Vantage Bridge to replace bridge deck

Posted 08/30/2024

Around-the-clock lane reductions are about to begin across the Interstate 90 Vantage Bridge as the next Starting Thursday, Sept. 5, both the eastbound and westbound lanes will be reduced from two lanes to one narrow lane in each direction. Oversized loads will be prohibited with no exceptions. Washington State Patrol…

Contract for the next stage of the SR 167 Completion Project in Pierce County awarded

Posted 08/29/2024

PIERCE COUNTY – The future 6-mile State Route 167 Expressway in north Pierce County is one step closer to completion with the Washington State Department of Transportation awarding the third of four contracts to build the tolled express way. The contract was awarded to Guy F. Atkinson, Inc., on Aug. 29, 2024 for $177.…

State ferry workers, 16 unions that represent them make busy Labor Day travel weekend possible

Posted 08/28/2024

SEATTLE – Labor Day travel is expected to attract more than 300,000 people aboard Washington State Ferries from Thursday, Aug. 29, through Monday, Sept. 2. As many travelers hit the road, sea or air, the holiday is also a moment to recognize the hard work and dedication of the workers who keep our communities and…

Goodbye summer, hello busy Labor Day travel weekend

Posted 08/22/2024

OLYMPIA – Before the return of yellow school buses and all things pumpkin spice, many people plan summer festivities over Labor Day. The Washington State Department of Transportation encourages people to make travel plans now for the popular three-day weekend.

11 Washington ports awarded state funding for electrification projects

Posted 08/21/2024

OLYMPIA – Announcement of Port Electrification grant awards totaling $26.5 million.

Double trouble: Closures on SR 520 and northbound I-405 in Renton begin Friday night, Aug. 23-26

Posted 08/20/2024

SEATTLE – Drivers traveling across Lake Washington on State Route 520 or through the Interstate 405/SR 167 corridor should plan for substantial closures beginning Friday night, Aug. 23 to early Monday, Aug. 26. The three separate closures could mean “triple trouble” for drivers if they don’t plan and adjust their…

POSTPONED: Retired state ferries sold for $100,000 each

Posted 08/16/2024

SEATTLE – Two vessels that each spent more than 50 years as part of the Washington State Ferries fleet are heading to South America.

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.