http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/ Copyright WSDOT 2008. All rights reserved. bertraj@wsdot.wa.gov (Jeremy Bertrand) Washington State Department of Transportation Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:17:20 GMT 15 http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Public/images/nav/wsdot2g4.gif http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/ Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:14:07 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/30_US101+MosquitoCreek.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/30_US101+MosquitoCreek.htm Work begins on US 101 Mosquito Creek Fish Passage Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:10:12 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/30_sr167HOTlanesannualreport.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/30_sr167HOTlanesannualreport.htm More than 30,000 solo drivers paid an average toll of $1 to escape heavy traffic on State Route 167 and drive in the high-occupancy toll (HOT) lane during the pilot project’s first year. Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:57:44 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/29_us395nscopening.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/29_us395nscopening.htm First North Spokane Corridor segment opens to traffic August 22 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 04:15:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/28_JulyStimulusreport.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/28_JulyStimulusreport.htm New employment data from state and local highway contractors showed Recovery Act work in Washington state doubled from May to June as more projects get awarded and underway. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 01:51:16 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/28_SR16_NV_traffic.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/28_SR16_NV_traffic.htm Longer backups expected at I-5 to SR 16 merge Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:48:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/28_SeaFairBlueAngels.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/28_SeaFairBlueAngels.htm Drivers should plan ahead for this week’s annual closures of I-90 across Lake Washington for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Seafair air shows. Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:19:49 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/27_ARRACableRumbleContracts.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/27_ARRACableRumbleContracts.htm WSDOT is moving forward with projects to improve safety on 33 highways across Washington. The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provided $12 million in funding for installing centerline rumble strips on 662 miles of state highways and for retrofitting nearly 30 miles of cable median barrier. Together, these projects will help support approximately 120 jobs during construction. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 22:50:46 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/27_I5Marysvillebarrier.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/27_I5Marysvillebarrier.htm Crews working for WSDOT this week kick off a project to replace 10 miles of cable median barrier with concrete barrier along northbound I-5 in Marysville. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:10:50 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/26_539ReopensEarly.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/26_539ReopensEarly.htm Crews reopened a two-mile stretch of the Guide Meridian (SR 539) at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 26, a day earlier than planned. Sat, 25 Jul 2009 02:01:43 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/24_MartinWayBikeLanes.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/24_MartinWayBikeLanes.htm The three-month project connects a quarter-mile gap in Lacey’s bike-lane network and extends the left-turn lanes for vehicles at the congested I-5/Martin Way interchange. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:50:48 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/24_bike_motorcyle_signals.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/24_bike_motorcyle_signals.htm WSDOT is looking for comments from bicyclists and motorcycle drivers who notice when traffic detection systems at state-operated traffic signals do not “detect” them. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 06:44:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/23_encampment.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/23_encampment.htm SEATTLE – Plans to relocate residents of a homeless encampment from state-owned property in south Seattle will move forward after a federal court ruling denying the issuance of a temporary restraining order. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 06:02:52 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/23_SR9NewAlignments.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/23_SR9NewAlignments.htm On Friday morning, drivers south of Snohomish will wake up to new versions of two familiar roadways. At 5 a.m. crews will open new alignments of Airport Way and Springhetti Road and a new intersection east of the highway. The roadways are part of a $53.4 million project funded by the 2003 and 2005 gas taxes to add capacity and improve traffic flow on State Route 9 between SR 96 and Marsh Road. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:52:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/23_07405trafficshift.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/23_07405trafficshift.htm WSDOT crews are a step closer to opening new I-405 lanes that will help relieve one of the worst bottlenecks along the I-405 corridor, the drive from Renton to Tukwila. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 03:49:24 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/23_539PoleRoadClosure.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/23_539PoleRoadClosure.htm WSDOT crews building a new roundabout near Lynden will close access to SR 539 from SR 544 (E. Pole Road) and West Pole Road beginning Sunday night, July 26. The closure is expected to last for three weeks. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 03:43:20 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/23_SR16BO_Shift.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/23_SR16BO_Shift.htm A project that eliminates the last at-grade intersection on SR 16 reaches a major milestone next week when traffic shifts to new bridges that will carry traffic over Burley Olalla Road. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:58:25 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/23_SR14ChipSealConstruction.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/23_SR14ChipSealConstruction.htm Thu, 23 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/22_I5SR531offramp.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/22_I5SR531offramp.htm Crews will open a new I-5 off-ramp at the I-5/State Route 531 interchange in Arlington this week, after only four months of construction. Thu, 23 Jul 2009 01:56:03 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/22_SR104HCBalerts.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/22_SR104HCBalerts.htm GovDelivery service announces HCB marine openings Wed, 22 Jul 2009 08:16:42 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/21_07SR542bump.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/21_07SR542bump.htm Shortly after repaving a 2,000-foot stretch of Mount Baker Highway (State Route 542) near Britton Road on Tuesday, July 21, bumps appeared in the pavement. The bumps are only about ¼ inch in height, but are noticeable. Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:30:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/20_encampment_notice.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/20_encampment_notice.htm SEATTLE – The Washington State Department of Transportation today posted a 72-hour notice to residents of a south Seattle homeless encampment that they need to vacate a nearly 4-acre state-owned property at 2nd Avenue Southwest and West Marginal Way in Seattle. Tue, 21 Jul 2009 04:35:12 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/20MethowValleyAirportLayout.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/20MethowValleyAirportLayout.htm A preferred development alternative for the future of the Methow Valley Airport is chosen. Tue, 21 Jul 2009 04:08:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/20_I90BridgeReopens.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/20_I90BridgeReopens.htm I-90 floating bridge returns to normal for the Monday commute Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:00:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/MethowALPAlternative.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/MethowALPAlternative.htm ARLINGTON - The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Aviation has developed a preferred alternative for the Methow Valley State Airport Layout Plan (ALP) that has been informed by significant public comment and input from Methow Valley community leaders. Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:30:22 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/20_US97StimulusPavingStarts.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/20_US97StimulusPavingStarts.htm GOLDENDALE – Construction begins July 22 on a stimulus-funded Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) project to pave portions of US 97 near Goldendale, including Satus Pass. Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:36:38 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/20_539FourDayClosure.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/20_539FourDayClosure.htm Crews will completely close the Guide Meridian (SR 539) south of Lynden, between Pole and River roads, for four days to install two culverts under the road. Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:21:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/HCB+anchor+connections.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/HCB+anchor+connections.htm HCB anchor connections Sat, 18 Jul 2009 06:58:24 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/17US97AWildlifeFenceGroundbreaking.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/17US97AWildlifeFenceGroundbreaking.htm A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled Tuesday, July 21 for the US 97A Wildlife Fence project. Sat, 18 Jul 2009 05:18:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/17_i90Fridaytraffic.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/17_i90Fridaytraffic.htm I-90 floating bridge: Only one westbound lane heading into Seattle overnight Friday Sat, 18 Jul 2009 04:41:21 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/17_US101GraysHarborChipSeal.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/17_US101GraysHarborChipSeal.htm $2 million chip-seal project begins on US 101 in Grays Harbor County Sat, 18 Jul 2009 04:35:09 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/_17_405spill.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/_17_405spill.htm The Washington State Department of Transportation is investigating an apparent discharge into Trail Creek near Bellefields Nature Park in Bellevue earlier today. Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:29:30 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/17-EndOfDemolition.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/17-EndOfDemolition.htm Parking in the SODO neighborhood just got a little easier. WSDOT completed demolition last week of two large buildings on state property near Qwest and Safeco fields. As a result, some parking closed during the project will reopen to the public for up to nine months, until heavy construction to replace the viaduct’s southern mile begins. Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:32:27 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/17_WSDOTrestoresSR508Bridge.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/17_WSDOTrestoresSR508Bridge.htm MORTON – Contractor crews completed repairs to a damaged bridge pier on the SR 508, Tilton River Bridge (mile post 32.25) on schedule and will restore the bridge to two-lane traffic Monday, July 20. Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:49:41 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/16US97BlewettStage3.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/16US97BlewettStage3.htm The third and final contract for emergency repairs to Blewett Pass from January's floods has been awarded to a Wenatchee contractor. Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:34:31 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/16I90SecondTierPaver.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/16I90SecondTierPaver.htm The first contract for the second tier ARRA stimulus projects, to pave 5 miles of I-90 in Moses Lake, has been awarded. Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:27:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/16_WASHTOPresident.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/16_WASHTOPresident.htm Washington Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond was unanimously elected by transportation directors from 18 states to serve as president of the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (WASHTO) during the organization's annual meeting this week in Seattle. Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:51:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/16_SR20FredoniaRibbonCutting.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/16_SR20FredoniaRibbonCutting.htm Thursday, July 16, business leaders, local officials and legislators officially marked the completion of the “missing link” in State Route 20 widening between Anacortes and Burlington. Thu, 16 Jul 2009 06:04:40 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/15_i405renton2groundbreaking.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/15_i405renton2groundbreaking.htm Better access to businesses and a new interchange in store for Renton Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:30:08 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/15_I5PTKCL_award.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/15_I5PTKCL_award.htm I-5 Port of Tacoma to King County Line HOV project gets a contractor (Tri-State, Inc. of Bellevue). Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:10:24 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/15_US12WhitePassPavingBegins.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/15_US12WhitePassPavingBegins.htm WHITE PASS – Construction begins Thursday, July 16 on a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) project to provide drivers a smoother, safer ride over US 12 White Pass. Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:31:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/15_i90toreopensaturday.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/15_i90toreopensaturday.htm I-90 floating bridge to reopen to traffic Saturday morning Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:07:25 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/15_I-5NForkLewisBridgeJoint.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/15_I-5NForkLewisBridgeJoint.htm WOODLAND – Construction begins the night of Sunday, July 19 on a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) project to repair a bridge that carries southbound I-5 over the North Fork Lewis River. Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:35:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/14_SecLeadsStates.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/14_SecLeadsStates.htm Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond and state department of transportation directors from 17 states hosted a news conference today highlighting the rapid pace of delivering federal Recovery Act jobs and highway projects bolstering the nation’s economic recovery. Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:26:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/11_I90expansionJoints.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/11_I90expansionJoints.htm SEATTLE - Crews working to replace two 65-ton steel expansion joints that span the westbound I-90 floating bridge completed the six-hour, delicate and difficult operation just after 3 a.m., Saturday, July 11. Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:05:38 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/10_5StanwoodStimulusPaver.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/10_5StanwoodStimulusPaver.htm Drivers will see the first visible signs of construction on Monday, July 13, as crews ramp up for the stimulus-funded southbound Interstate 5 repair project near Stanwood. Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:06:34 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/10_542ArtistPointOpening.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/10_542ArtistPointOpening.htm Crews will open the road to Artist Point on Tuesday, July 14. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:37:10 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/10_SR542RepavingStartsMonday.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/10_SR542RepavingStartsMonday.htm Crews begin work July 13 to repave a 17-mile stretch of SR 542. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:20:12 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/09_HeavyEventTrafficFriday.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/09_HeavyEventTrafficFriday.htm RIDGEFIELD – An event in Clark County is expected to bring an additional 6,000 vehicles to I-5 and I-205 on the afternoon of Friday, July 10. Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:39:05 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/09_sr9openhouse.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/09_sr9openhouse.htm WSDOT wants to hear from residents and drivers about safety concerns at the State Route 9/ State Route 531 intersection in Arlington. Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:28:16 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/9_OnlineBidding.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/9_OnlineBidding.htm OLYMPIA - WSDOT will begin taking construction contractor bids online in September, an effort expected to reduce administrative paperwork and staff time, as well as reduce costs for contractors. Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:39:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/8_SR532DeckRepairAwarded.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/8_SR532DeckRepairAwarded.htm WSDOT has awarded Penhall Company of Seattle a $979,500 construction contract to repair the SR 532 bridge deck at 84th Avenue in Stanwood. Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:02:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/08_UrbanMobilityReport.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/08_UrbanMobilityReport.htm Washington drivers are spending less time stuck in traffic despite growing vehicle volumes during peak commute periods in urban areas, according to a national study released to news media today. Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:46:49 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/08_July4_travel_recap.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/08_July4_travel_recap.htm Preliminary data from WSDOT’s Transportation Data Office revealed more drivers hit the roadways for Independence Day weekend 2009, with just one minor exception. WSDOT’s traffic counts show a slight decrease in travel from the Bellingham area north to the Canadian border. Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:46:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/FirstRound0911Grants.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/FirstRound0911Grants.htm WSDOT announced the award of $900,000 in Local Airport Aid grant funds to 35 airports, accounting for 41 different projects. Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:05:43 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/07_542BridgeLaneClosure.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/07_542BridgeLaneClosure.htm Drivers headed to or from Mount Baker will want to plan ahead for a three-month lane closure that begins Wednesday, July 8, on SR 542 (Mount Baker Highway) near Glacier. Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:37:41 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/06_SR304BremertonTunnelOpening.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/06_SR304BremertonTunnelOpening.htm Bremerton Tunnel opens for business Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:36:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/07_06pmrelease.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/07_06pmrelease.htm Drivers appear to have heeded WSDOT’s advice to stay home, telecommute, take alternate routes or leave before 6 a.m. The long holiday weekend may have also helped reduce traffic turnout the first day of WSDOT’s two-week, I-90 floating bridge lane closures. Engineers predicted it would take 45 minutes to drive from Bellevue and Seattle, but low traffic volumes kept travel times just under 30 minutes for most of the morning and evening commutes. Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:55:11 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/0706092ndtrainapproval.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/0706092ndtrainapproval.htm Tue, 07 Jul 2009 02:40:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/07_06i90morning.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/07_06i90morning.htm The first hours of the first day of WSDOT’s two-week, I-90 floating bridge lane closures went more smoothly than expected. Engineers predicted it would take 45 minutes to drive from Bellevue and Seattle, but low traffic volumes kept travel times under between 20 and 30 minutes for most of the morning. Mon, 06 Jul 2009 06:05:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/07_05sundayclosures.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/07_05sundayclosures.htm Major roadwork is under way on the I-90 floating bridge and drivers in the Seattle area should plan for long delays starting this afternoon. After 4 p.m. today, westbound I-90 will be reduced to one lane while crews restripe the freeway. By 5 a.m. tomorrow, all westbound traffic will be funneled into the two express lanes around the clock for two weeks. Severe congestion is expected. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:10:08 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/02_CrossBasePaving.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/02_CrossBasePaving.htm Paving moves first SR 704 Cross-Base project into home stretch Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:58:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/02_I90SundayClosures.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/02_I90SundayClosures.htm Holiday travelers: Prepare for westbound I-90 delays to Seattle on Sunday Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:53:05 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/FinalCouncilRecommendations.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/FinalCouncilRecommendations.htm After almost two years of deliberations, the Washington Aviation Planning Council has released its final statewide aviation recommendations. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:28:41 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/2_DBEgoalsmeeting.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/2_DBEgoalsmeeting.htm WSDOT holds Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goals Webinar and public meeting. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:52:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/01_SR+532+Groundbreaking.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/01_SR+532+Groundbreaking.htm Today, local officials, legislators and construction workers broke ground on a two-year-long project to improve safety and eliminate choke points along a 10-mile stretch of SR 532. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:02:04 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/US101_PurdyCreek_delays.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/07/US101_PurdyCreek_delays.htm Alternating traffic on US 101 for Purdy Creek Bridge project expected to cause big delays over the holiday weekend.