Preserving our roads & bridges

Learn how we maintain our state's highway system to keep people safe and goods moving 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year.

We oversee the day-to-day needs of maintaining our state's highway system, including:

  • 20,679 highway lane miles (includes ramps, collectors and special use lanes).
  • More than 3,000 bridges.
  • 1,100 traffic signal systems.
  • 10 major mountain passes kept open all year.
  • Close to 50 safety rest areas.

Learn how we preserve, inspect and rate the condition of Washington state bridges.

Learn about chip seals (or seal coating, BST, Bituminous Surface Treatment), the application of a special protective wearing surface to an existing pavement.

Slow down – lives are on the line.

Drive the posted speeds, they’re there for your safety.

Phone down, eyes up.

Pay attention – both to workers directing you and to surrounding traffic.

Stay calm

Expect delays, leave early or take an alternate route if possible; no appointment is worth risking someone’s life.