News

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

Skunk Creek fish barrier removal project in Fall City starts April 1 with long-term closure on Southeast Fish Hatchery Road

Posted 03/27/2024

Construction starts April 1 on a fish barrier removal project near Fall City that requires a temporary bypass on State Route 202 and a long-term closure on Southeast Fish Hatchery Road. The project will replace existing culverts that block fish passage with new bridges that restore natural stream conditions.

I-90/SR 18 interchange improvements benefit cars, trucks – and fish

Posted 03/26/2024

Most of the I-90/SR 18 interchange project is designed to improve traffic flow and safety for locals, commuters and freight. However, this part of the project has a different purpose. It's all about enhancing conditions for salmon, steelhead and other fish species.

Support beams for new SR 18 bridge near Snoqualmie to be lifted into place Tuesday, March 26

Posted 03/21/2024

SNOQUALMIE – People traveling on State Route 18 south of the city of Snoqualmie Tuesday morning, March 26, likely will notice twin cranes lifting four massive support beams into place on each end of a future bridge over Raging River.

Reminder: Studded tire removal deadline is March 31

Posted 03/21/2024

OLYMPIA – Springtime in the Pacific Northwest often signals blooming flowers and warmer days ahead. It also means Washington’s deadline to remove studded tires is fast approaching.

Paint Maps: The Origin Story

Posted 03/15/2024

For a little less than a decade now, our Paint Maps have been a summer tradition that has both entertained and informed our social media followers to plan ahead and know before they go.

Getting around: Online open house previews busy 2024 Olympic Peninsula construction season

Posted 03/14/2024

OLYMPIA – This summer, whether heading to the Hoh Rainforest or windswept Pacific Ocean beaches, travelers will see some additional views through the windshield: orange cones and multiple work zones.

Second round of airport grant applications now being accepted

Posted 03/12/2024

OLYMPIA – It’s time for airports to submit their applications for the second round of 2023-2025 Airport Aid Grant Program. The Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation Division anticipates awarding $2 million in funding.

Maintaining momentum: improving fish access and roadway resiliency for every Washingtonian

Posted 03/12/2024

Our Fish Passage Program – restoring access and habitat to salmon that was blocked by previous transportation projects – is massive by any definition. Read more on the work we've done so far, the challenges, the benefits, and the work still left to complete.

Work to replace I-90 Vantage Bridge deck set to get underway

Posted 03/11/2024

VANTAGE – After years of patching and filling potholes, crews are now ready to replace the entire surface across the Vantage Bridge along Interstate 90.

Section of SR 17 in northeast Moses Lake scheduled for mid-April resurfacing

Posted 03/08/2024

MOSES LAKE – Spring is coming to the Columbia Basin, and with it comes a multitude of colors. Along a 7-mile stretch of State Route 17 in Moses Lake, one of those colors will soon be safety orange.

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.