WSDOT at a Glance:
- 18,389 state highway lane-miles
- 3,600 bridges, including the four longest floating bridges in the United States
- 47 safety rest areas
- 23 ferry vessels active in the largest vehicle-ferry system in the world
- 20 ferry terminals
- 24 million ferry passengers annually
- $15 billion capital improvement
program
- 7,200 full-time employees
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of a large and robust transportation system, and is responsible for ensuring that people and goods move safely and efficiently. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT is responsible for the state ferry system, and works in partnership with others to maintain and improve local roads, railroads, airports, and multi-modal alternatives to driving.
WSDOT works towards achieving five goals: safety, preservation, mobility, environmental quality, and system stewardship. These goals are consistent with the statewide transportation policy goals established by the Legislature for all transportation agencies.
WSDOT, working closely with private contractors, is in the midst of delivering the largest capital construction program in our history—more than $15 billion in projects, including 391 highway projects valued at $11 billion. Currently, we are in year five of this twenty-year program.
As WSDOT delivers transportation services, we also work to preserve environmental quality. Programs such as stormwater treatment, construction site erosion control, fish passage barrier removal, wetland replacement, air pollution control, and adaptation to climate change are important to the future health and safety of citizens. Each helps protect priceless natural resources.
WSDOT’s diverse programs and projects are supported by 7,200 full-time employees, including engineers, vessel captains, maintenance technicians, environmental specialists, planners, and many others. We take pride in our workforce and strive for excellence and integrity in everything we do.