Protecting the environment

We strive to protect the natural environment and your community. Explore what we and our partners do to ensure our transportation system has a minimal impact on both.

Learn how our CED program is constructing climate-resilient, nature-based retrofits that protect our highways from debris-flows and floods, improve fish habitat and reduce the need for repeat repairs.

The public, agency staff, and contractors should use this page to report unplanned releases of materials on or near the highway and WSDOT-operated properties. 

Learn how we are addressing climate change as an agency and how you can get involved. 

Learn how we're reconnecting streams under state highways to improve fish passage around the state.

Learn about the different types of historic bridges in Washington state, including the locations of the historical bridges and moveable bridges.

Learn about historic highways throughout the state.

Dealing with litter is a costly issue on Washington roads. We address it through litter collection programs and the Adopt-a-Highway program. Littering is illegal under Washington state law.

We design, construct and maintain our roadside areas to keep Washington highways safe and beautiful and to reduce maintenance costs.

Learn how we manage stormwater runoff from paved surfaces like highways, rest areas, park-and-ride lots, ferry terminals and maintenance facilities in urban areas throughout the state.

Find information about noise barriers, our process for determining where to build them and other options to reduce noise at your home.

Find out how we gather information on wildlife collisions and use it to reduce collisions and protect wildlife.

The Regional Road Maintenance Program improves roadway safety while safely maintaining our highways and following the Endangered Species Act.

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.