News

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

Ramp metering on I-5 collector/distributor ramp in downtown Seattle begins Tuesday, Nov. 14

Posted 11/02/2023

SEATTLE – To manage the flow of traffic merging from Interstate 90 to northbound I-5, ramp meters will go live beginning Tuesday, Nov. 14. Meters will also regulate cars entering northbound I-5 from the Cherry Street on-ramp.

Statewide draft Highway System Plan available for public comment through Dec. 18

Posted 11/01/2023

OLYMPIA – Draft plan recommends highway investment strategy for next 20 years.

A haunting Halloween update: Maintenance crews, partners and volunteers remove 2,000 tons of litter along state highways

Posted 10/31/2023

Queue the Monster Mash playlist. The results from litter collected this past spring and summer are eerie. And we aren’t just talking about leftover creepy white hockey masks, either.

That time of year to prepare for North Cascades Highway seasonal closure

Posted 10/31/2023

Seems like only yesterday we celebrated the spring opening of the North Cascades Highway, but that day this past May is far behind us and so is summer, meaning the countdown is on to the seasonal closure.

Remember what Uncle Ben said

Posted 10/30/2023

Spider-Man's Uncle Ben said it best: "With great power comes great responsibility." That power lies in your hands and under your foot when you're behind the wheel - keep this in mind on the most pedestrian-friendly and kid-friendly date on the calendar: Halloween.

Maintenance crew partners with Parks Commission to save lifejackets

Posted 10/27/2023

You expect to find life jackets in the water, maybe even on a beach or a dock. But year after year, our crews pick up perfectly usable lifejackets from the side of the road, too. This year, Brandon Harding, one of our assistant maintenance superintendents, was tired of seeing those life jackets go unused.

There's nothing simple about replacing I-405 overpass in Renton, starting Nov. 1

Posted 10/26/2023

If only repairing roads was as easy as 1, 2, 3. Unfortunately it's usually much more complicated. That's why on November 1-2-3 (and 4-5-6) we have some major closures planned on Interstate 405 in Renton to replace the Lind Avenue overpass, which was damaged in 2022.

Engaging communities for the Highway System Plan

Posted 10/25/2023

The highway system connects communities and provides access to jobs, schools, services, and the state’s natural wonders. It is important to plan for the future of this system and determine what types of investments are needed to assure that people driving cars, riding in vanpools and buses, transporting goods, walking…

Improving the drive: A sneak peek into the future of SR 167

Posted 10/25/2023

Get ready for changes on State Route 167, as we make transformative upgrades to the existing toll system.

WSDOT formally dedicates flagship ferry terminal

Posted 10/23/2023

SEATTLE – Gov. Jay Inslee, tribal representatives and local officials joined the Washington State Department of Transportation in a dedication ceremony at the new Seattle Multimodal Ferry Terminal at Colman Dock on Monday, Oct. 23.

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.