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  <channel>
    <title>WSDOT - 2012</title>
    <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/</link>
    <copyright>
          Copyright WSDOT 2008. All rights reserved.
        </copyright>
    <description></description>
    <managingEditor>
          bertraj@wsdot.wa.gov (Jeremy Bertrand)
        </managingEditor>
    <generator>
          Washington State Department of Transportation
        </generator>
    <lastBuildDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 23:04:33 GMT</lastBuildDate>
    <ttl>
          15
        </ttl>
    <image>
      <title>WSDOT - 2012</title>
      <url>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Public/images/nav/wsdot2g4.gif</url>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/</link>
    </image>
    <item>
      <title>A year of growth: One year of SR 520 tolling in the books</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Dec 2012 03:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/27_oneyearof520tolling.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/27_oneyearof520tolling.htm</guid>
      <description>As tolling reaches its first anniversary, SR 520 traffic and revenue continue to meet projections and are on the way to providing more than $1 billion in funding to help pay for the construction of a new bridge. Traffic is adjusting to variable tolls and settling into a new normal.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>US 2 reopened between Stevens Pass &amp; Leavenworth</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Dec 2012 12:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/25US2ReopenedStevensLeavenworth.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/25US2ReopenedStevensLeavenworth.htm</guid>
      <description>US 2 reopened from Stevens Pass east to Leavenworth Christmas afternoon as bending trees threatening to fall onto the highway shed their excess snow naturally due to a change in weather.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Testing time for State Route 99 tunneling machine</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Dec 2012 00:44:20 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/SR99BoringMachine_1221.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/SR99BoringMachine_1221.htm</guid>
      <description>Last week, the world’s largest-diameter tunneling machine received a name. This week, it received U.S. visitors, as State Route 99 Tunnel Project leaders traveled to Japan to witness testing of the five-story-tall behemoth that will begin tunneling beneath downtown Seattle next summer.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Safety Rest Area upgraded at Snoqualmie summit</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Dec 2012 05:55:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/20_travelers_rest_open.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/20_travelers_rest_open.htm</guid>
      <description>Holiday travelers and skiers enjoying new snow at Snoqualmie Pass this weekend won’t see the finished product but will have indoor facilities available starting Friday, Dec. 21, one month ahead of schedule.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Crews fight snow in the passes and prep for next round of wind in Puget Sound</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/windstormSR520_1216.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/windstormSR520_1216.htm</guid>
      <description>With gusty winds forecast for Puget Sound and heavy snow forecast for the passes, Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance and bridge crews spent Sunday fighting snow in the passes and tracking the next storm system as it moves into the state.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Parking on highway to ski is illegal</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 08 Dec 2012 08:35:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/07US2WSPnoparkingSki.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/07US2WSPnoparkingSki.htm</guid>
      <description>The State Patrol is actively assisting the effort to solve congestion at the summit of Stevens Pass due to illegal parking</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>WSDOT performance report takes to land, sea, air</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:26:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/GNB47_News_All_Items.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/GNB47_News_All_Items.htm</guid>
      <description>OLYMPIA – Topics in the latest edition of the Washington State Department of Transportation’s quarterly performance report – the Gray Notebook – take flight, ride the rails and hit the water.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>State, business groups work to keep supplies moving during emergencies</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Dec 2012 01:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/3_Freight_Detour.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/12/3_Freight_Detour.htm</guid>
      <description></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>70 aging bridges receive money for improvements</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:28:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/2012BridgeFunds.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/2012BridgeFunds.htm</guid>
      <description>70 aging bridges receive money for improvements</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Washington’s 4-year program of transportation projects ready for review</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2012 05:23:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/2013STIP.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/2013STIP.htm</guid>
      <description>Washington’s 4-year program of transportation projects ready for review</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SR 20/North Cascades Highway closed for winter</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Nov 2012 05:14:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/20SR20NCHClosed.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/20SR20NCHClosed.htm</guid>
      <description>The North Cascades Highway's temporary closure on Monday became a season ending closure due to heavy snow and big avalanches.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Train-disruption information available to travelers</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Nov 2012 04:13:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/20_traindisruptioninto.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/20_traindisruptioninto.htm</guid>
      <description>EVERETT – This week’s heavy rains triggered mudslides near Everett that affected Amtrak Cascades service, and passengers are reminded of avenues to check train status:</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Heavy rains, wind could snarl evening commute for Western Washington drivers</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Nov 2012 07:03:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/19_StormyCommuteWesternWA.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/19_StormyCommuteWesternWA.htm</guid>
      <description>SEATTLE – Drivers from Puget Sound to Vancouver should plan ahead for gnarly commutes this week as a series of storms barrel across Western Washington.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Leave more time for Thanksgiving table catch-up; know before you go</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/16_thanksgiving2012travel.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/16_thanksgiving2012travel.htm</guid>
      <description>Miss Manners says holidays are the time to unplug and concentrate on family. But before travelers unplug this Thanksgiving weekend, the Washington State Department of Transportation says plug in that electronic device to find the latest on travel and traffic.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New lane stripes brighten highways across the state</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Nov 2012 01:16:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/15_Statewidestripingwrapsup.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/15_Statewidestripingwrapsup.htm</guid>
      <description>It’s been a busy seven weeks for crews putting down brighter, tougher lane stripes on some of the busiest traffic areas in the state. As the rain moves in, though, crews are packing up for the season.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Interest exceeds capacity at state rail planning workshops</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Nov 2012 09:03:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/13_StateRailPlanningWorkshop.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/13_StateRailPlanningWorkshop.htm</guid>
      <description>OLYMPIA – The public is invited to help develop the next statewide rail plan and shape the future of rail at a newly scheduled public workshop in Seattle. Recent workshops in Spokane and Seattle were at capacity, and the upcoming Seattle workshop already has several participants registered.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Avalanche risk and snow slides close Chinook and Cayuse passes for the year</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Nov 2012 01:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/ChinookCayuse2012closure.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/ChinookCayuse2012closure.htm</guid>
      <description>Highway crews closed Chinook (State Route 410) and Cayuse (State Route 123) passes early Monday morning after multiple snow slides. After further inspection, maintenance and avalanche teams decided to close the passes for the rest of the season.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Political signs near highways must be removed by Friday</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Nov 2012 01:23:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/09_election_signs_removed_2012.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/09_election_signs_removed_2012.htm</guid>
      <description>Now that the elections are over, it’s time to remove campaign signs from private properties along state highways.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SR 520 bridge pontoon videos, interviews and correspondence posted online</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Nov 2012 01:03:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/09_NewSR520BridgePontoonPage.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/09_NewSR520BridgePontoonPage.htm</guid>
      <description>Project overview video explains pontoon construction progress and challenges 

SEATTLE – Keeping in line with the agency’s commitment to openness and transparency, the Washington State Department of Transportation has published a new website, giving access to State Route 520 pontoon videos, interviews and correspondence.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Commute-smart champs take a bow</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Nov 2012 06:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/CSA_2012.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/11/CSA_2012.htm</guid>
      <description>Easing traffic congestion is just part of the work they do. For the recipients of the 2012 Governor’s Commute Smart Awards, leadership goes beyond a normal day’s work; it makes Washington state a better place to live and work for everyone. This year’s 22 honorees represent a growing movement in transportation leadership in the workplace.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Winter travel laws take effect Nov. 1</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Nov 2012 01:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/31_chainsonboard_reminder.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/31_chainsonboard_reminder.htm</guid>
      <description>OLYMPIA – Drivers traveling over Washington’s mountain pass highways should carry a few extra items starting Thursday, Nov. 1. For those piloting heavy trucks, that should becomes a must.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Estimate for SR 520 bridge program lowered by $522 million; $300 million federal loan finalized for next phase of construction</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Oct 2012 04:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/25_520CostsLoanAndPontoons.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/25_520CostsLoanAndPontoons.htm</guid>
      <description>Constructing the full State Route 520 corridor from Interstate 5 to Redmond, including a new floating bridge and six-lane highway, is estimated to cost $522 million less than the 2009 legislative budget cap, the Washington State Department of Transportation said today, citing a good bid environment and other factors. 

WSDOT finalized documents today for a $300 million federal loan that will fund design and construction of the next portion of the SR 520 project – a westbound bridge between the</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>State seeks key ingredient for rail plan: public opinion</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Oct 2012 03:02:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/25_state-rail-plan-public-opinion.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/25_state-rail-plan-public-opinion.htm</guid>
      <description>The public is invited to help develop the next statewide rail plan at two public workshops in Spokane and Seattle next week. Public input will help shape the future of the state’s rail system.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Crews preparing to finish work on Snoqualmie Pass as construction season winds down for winter</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Oct 2012 23:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/22_I-90constructionwrap.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/22_I-90constructionwrap.htm</guid>
      <description>Drivers traveling across Interstate 90 have patiently waited to hear these words: Delays related to work zones on Snoqualmie Pass are almost finished until next year. Rock-blasting closures are done for the season, the new westbound lanes are open to traffic and roadside work zones will be cleared by November.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Public invited to comment on changes coming to I-90 east of Snoqualmie Pass</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Oct 2012 21:37:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/22_12_I-90publichearingSEIS.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/22_12_I-90publichearingSEIS.htm</guid>
      <description>For more than 60 years, the snowshed along Interstate 90 has been a familiar passageway to travelers making their way across Washington state. Now the state is considering a new look for one of its most-traveled roadways: replacing the snowshed with avalanche bridges.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Automated speed enforcement wraps up at Snoqualmie Pass</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Oct 2012 05:05:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/19_I90_auto_speed_enforcement_wrapsup.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/19_I90_auto_speed_enforcement_wrapsup.htm</guid>
      <description>A safety project on Snoqualmie Pass comes to an end today with the removal of automated speed-enforcement cameras in the construction zone. Using the mobile camera proved effective at slowing drivers speeding through the work zone.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Winter driving coming, so get ready now</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Oct 2012 02:39:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/19_2012_winter_coming.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/19_2012_winter_coming.htm</guid>
      <description>While some may cheer and others lament, it’s inevitable – and coming sooner than you think. Forecasts call for snow late tonight and early Saturday morning at elevations above 3,000 feet, which means those traveling over mountain passes across Washington state may see flakes on the windshield.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>WSDOT reports drivers may see delayed toll bills</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:19:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/18_delayedtollbills.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/18_delayedtollbills.htm</guid>
      <description>Year-end accounting of the Good To Go! tolling system revealed that approximately 350,000 transactions from the State Route 520 and Tacoma Narrows bridges – mostly associated with out-of-state license plates – were not processed into Pay By Mail bills in a timely manner.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Major 6-day lane closure over Snoqualmie Pass starts Oct. 14</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Oct 2012 00:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/6-day+lane+closure+I-90_05.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/6-day+lane+closure+I-90_05.htm</guid>
      <description>Drivers could face major delays when crews reduce Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass to one lane in each direction. Crews will close one lane in each direction of the highway for six days, starting Oct. 14, as they prepare to open a brand new section of highway.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>City and county transportation projects shine as “best of the best”</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Oct 2012 04:29:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/2012ExcellenceAwards.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/2012ExcellenceAwards.htm</guid>
      <description>City and county transportation projects shine as “best of the best”</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>First citations mailed to drivers caught speeding in I-90 work zone</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Oct 2012 01:15:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/01_workzone_speed_citations.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/10/01_workzone_speed_citations.htm</guid>
      <description>SNOQUALMIE PASS – Citations have been mailed to 301 vehicle owners whose cars were speeding through the work zone on Interstate 90 at Snoqualmie Pass. The $137 citations will begin arriving in mailboxes soon for drivers caught speeding between Sept. 17 and 28.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New tool opens door to transportation-related jobs for small businesses</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Sep 2012 00:06:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/09/SmallBusinessProgram.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/09/SmallBusinessProgram.htm</guid>
      <description>New tool opens door to transportation-related jobs for small businesses</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>WSDOT holds contractor to fire-safety requirements at Taylor Bridge</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Sep 2012 00:18:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/09/NoticetoContactorTaylorBridge.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/09/NoticetoContactorTaylorBridge.htm</guid>
      <description>WSDOT holds contractor to fire-safety requirements at Taylor Bridge</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Tacoma Narrows Bridges appear melted in new Web maps</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Sep 2012 05:13:42 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/09/20_bridgesappearmelted.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/09/20_bridgesappearmelted.htm</guid>
      <description>Even The New York Times today paid attention to a tweet from the Washington State Department of Transportation when the agency assured people the iconic Tacoma Narrows Bridges have not melted.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Vehicle registration holds placed for some toll violators</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Sep 2012 03:15:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/09/17_vehicleholdsplacedforunpaidtolls.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/09/17_vehicleholdsplacedforunpaidtolls.htm</guid>
      <description>Vehicle registration holds placed for some toll violators</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Automated speed-enforcement cameras coming to Snoqualmie Pass</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Sep 2012 03:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/09/10_workzone_speed_camera_I90.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/09/10_workzone_speed_camera_I90.htm</guid>
      <description>Automated speed-enforcement cameras coming to Snoqualmie Pass</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Brighter, tougher lane stripes coming to a highway near you</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 08 Sep 2012 00:27:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/09/7_statewidedurablestriping.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/09/7_statewidedurablestriping.htm</guid>
      <description>The worn-out stripes along some of the state’s busiest highways will soon be a thing of the past as crews get ready to restripe about 40 miles of roadway, in eight counties, along six routes.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New section of SR 410 near Naches opens in time for Labor Day weekend</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 31 Aug 2012 04:19:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/08/SR410Landslideprojectopens.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/08/SR410Landslideprojectopens.htm</guid>
      <description>Crews opened a new stretch of State Route 410 on Aug. 30, 2012, nearly three years after a landslide destroyed part of the highway and cut off direct access between Chinook Pass and the town of Naches.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>More drivers saw red in 2011 than in 2009</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Aug 2012 01:30:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/08/2012+Congestion+Report.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/08/2012+Congestion+Report.htm</guid>
      <description>OLYMPIA – Washingtonians spent 16 percent more time looking at brake lights in 2011 than they did in 2009 as congestion and traffic delay increased on state highways. Despite the surge, the Washington State Department of Transportation’s 2012 Congestion Report notes that traffic increased by 3 percent from 2010 to 2011.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Small team of claims investigators saves taxpayers millions</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 24 Aug 2012 23:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/08/24_InvSavesTaxpayersMillions.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/08/24_InvSavesTaxpayersMillions.htm</guid>
      <description>Motorists seldom need to drive far on the highway to see it – a dented stretch of guardrail, a busted strand of cable barrier or chunks of concrete chipped off the underside of a bridge.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>WSDOT unveils revamped Gray Notebook</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Aug 2012 22:36:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/08/GNB46_1.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/08/GNB46_1.htm</guid>
      <description>OLYMPIA – ­When the Gray Notebook comes off the press and hits the Internet this week, those who regularly read the Washington State Department of Transportation’s quarterly performance report on the state’s transportation system might do a double take.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Volunteers needed for annual state bicycle and pedestrian count</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2012 23:49:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/08/21_stateBicyclePedestrianCount.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/08/21_stateBicyclePedestrianCount.htm</guid>
      <description></description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Washington transportation projects awarded federal grants</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 04 Aug 2012 03:50:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/07/2012FederalDiscretionaryGrants.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/07/2012FederalDiscretionaryGrants.htm</guid>
      <description>Washington transportation projects awarded federal grants</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New tools ease public reporting of access, ADA accommodation matters</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jul 2012 00:37:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/07/ADAreportingtools.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/07/ADAreportingtools.htm</guid>
      <description>New tools ease public reporting of access, ADA accommodation matters</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>WSDOT reaches settlement with toll vendor ETC</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jul 2012 22:33:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/07/18_TollVendorSettlement.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/07/18_TollVendorSettlement.htm</guid>
      <description>Toll vendor Electronic Transaction Consultants (ETC) has agreed to a $6.4 million settlement compensating the state for the damages associated to delays in starting tolling on State Route 520 last year.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>South-end viaduct replacement will wrap up one year early, on budget</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jul 2012 22:32:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/07/17_EarlyH2K.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/07/17_EarlyH2K.htm</guid>
      <description>The southern half of Seattle's State Route 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct is gone, a vanishing act performed by demolition crews last fall about six months ahead of schedule. Now comes the encore: completion this fall of the new SR 99 south of downtown.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Daytime lane closures planned July 17 on US 2 near Stevens Pass.</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Jul 2012 05:34:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/07/13US2TuesdayRockfallDelays.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/07/13US2TuesdayRockfallDelays.htm</guid>
      <description>Next Tuesday, a rock slope stabilization project west of the US 2 Stevens Pass summit will require occasional closures of at least ten minutes while crews bring down some very large unstable boulders from the mountainside above the highway.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Repair work starts July 23 on the US 395/SR20 Columbia River Bridge at Kettle Falls</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Jul 2012 22:18:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/07/11_us395columbiariverbridge.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/07/11_us395columbiariverbridge.htm</guid>
      <description>Repair work starts July 23 on the US 395/SR20 Columbia River bridge at Kettle Falls
Drivers can expect a full-time temporary traffic signal and up to 20 overnight closures</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Annual event brings 10,000 bike riders to Western Washington roadways</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Jul 2012 03:53:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/07/10_2012STPride.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/07/10_2012STPride.htm</guid>
      <description>Pedaling more than 200 miles might sound painful, but those gearing up for the Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic this weekend look forward to it all year.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>State ferries on-time performance tops 98 percent</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 30 Jun 2012 03:54:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/WSF+SAO+GNB+45.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/WSF+SAO+GNB+45.htm</guid>
      <description>OLYMPIA – ¬Whether crossing the Puget Sound or winding their way through the San Juan Islands, ¬Washington State Ferries riders enjoy one of the most reliable ferry systems in the world. In the first part of 2012, that reliability along with on-time performance got even better.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SR 99 tunnel tolling committee meets Wednesday</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 04:13:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/26_SR99-tolling-meeting.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/26_SR99-tolling-meeting.htm</guid>
      <description>The SR 99 Tunnel Project’s Advisory Committee on Tolling and Traffic Management meets tomorrow to learn about preliminary traffic modeling results based on three potential toll scenarios that the committee discussed in April.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Newest and smallest ferry vessel named Sanpoil</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Jun 2012 01:20:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/25_sr21kellerferryname.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/25_sr21kellerferryname.htm</guid>
      <description>Newest and smallest ferry vessel named Sanpoil
New Keller Ferry boat under construction</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Six months into SR 520 tolling: Traffic and revenue on track</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2012 04:56:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/22_SixMonths520Tolls.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/22_SixMonths520Tolls.htm</guid>
      <description>For the first six months, tolling on the 520 bridge is working as planned. Weekday traffic is free flowing for the first time in decades during the peak commute times, and revenue generated by tolling is ahead of forecasts. This trajectory puts us slightly ahead of the finance plan, keeping the Washington State Department of Transportation on track with making the debt payments needed to pay for the bridge construction.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Cantwell, Murray, McMorris Rodgers Announce $10 Million USDOT Grant for North Spokane Corridor</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Jun 2012 04:34:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/19_10MillionUSDOTGrant_NSpokaneCor.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/19_10MillionUSDOTGrant_NSpokaneCor.htm</guid>
      <description>WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) and U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-05) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will award a $10 million competitive grant to the North Spokane Corridor (NSC)project on Friday.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Weigh station innovations saving truckers time</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Jun 2012 22:54:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/GrayNotebookWeighStations.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/GrayNotebookWeighStations.htm</guid>
      <description>Weigh station innovations saving truckers time</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Report: Freight haulers say congestion results in lost jobs</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 2012 23:46:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/15_Freight_Congestion_Report.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/15_Freight_Congestion_Report.htm</guid>
      <description>Increased congestion on Washington’s highways will result in thousands of lost jobs in freight-dependent businesses and more than a $3 billion hit to Washington’s economy, a new report concludes.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gov. Gregoire awards students' top prize in statewide transportation art and essay contest</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Jun 2012 04:56:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/11_12+bridging+futures+2012.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/11_12+bridging+futures+2012.htm</guid>
      <description>Gov. Chris Gregoire recognized two young artists during a surprise award ceremony today, June 11, for their outstanding creativity in the eighth annual Interstate 90 Bridging Futures Art and Essay Contest. The ceremony took place during the annual conference for the Western Governors’ Association at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>State funds available for freight rail projects that keep economy chugging with jobs, trade</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Jun 2012 01:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/061012_freightrail.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/061012_freightrail.htm</guid>
      <description>The Washington State Department of Transportation is accepting applications to receive state funding for freight rail projects in Washington that create family-wage jobs and demonstrate the economic and environmental advantages of freight rail.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Roadway safety funding benefits 40 Washington cities</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 08 Jun 2012 01:54:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/2012CitySafety.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/2012CitySafety.htm</guid>
      <description>Roadway safety funding benefits 40 Washington cities</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Celebrating US 12 SR 124 interchange project completion</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Jun 2012 07:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/US12SR124InterchangeProjectCompleted.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/US12SR124InterchangeProjectCompleted.htm</guid>
      <description>New interchange, improvements to reduce collisions on US 12 near Burbank 
Improvements separate high-speed cross traffic, improve congestion</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A boatload of dirt: Crews break ground on massive pit for SR 99 tunnel boring machine</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Jun 2012 02:09:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/6_AWV-tbm-groundbreaking.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/06/6_AWV-tbm-groundbreaking.htm</guid>
      <description>It won’t float, but it will be as big as a ferry boat. So it’s only fitting that crews building the State Route 99 Tunnel Project have started digging a Puget Sound-sized pit where the world’s largest diameter tunnel boring machine will begin its historic journey beneath downtown Seattle.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Tolls increase July 1 on Tacoma Narrows and SR 520 bridges</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 00:01:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/30_tollsincreasejuly1.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/30_tollsincreasejuly1.htm</guid>
      <description>Tolls increase July 1, 2012 on Tacoma Narrows and SR 520 bridges</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>West Coast Electric Highway Expands to Washington, Now Extends to Canadian Border</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 22:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/30_newevstations.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/30_newevstations.htm</guid>
      <description>The border-to-border vision of the West Coast Electric Highway moves closer to becoming a reality today with the opening of new EV charging sites, extending the highway to the Canadian border and opening it to electric vehicle (EV) drivers from both countries.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Chinook Pass opens in time for Memorial Day weekend</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 26 May 2012 02:45:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/Chinookreopening2012.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/Chinookreopening2012.htm</guid>
      <description>Chinook Pass reopened in time for Memorial Day weekend.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Washington No. 1 ‘Bicycle-Friendly State’ five years running</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 23:21:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/WashingtonMostBikeFriendly.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/WashingtonMostBikeFriendly.htm</guid>
      <description>Washington No. 1 ‘Bicycle-Friendly State’ five years running</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Secretary Hammond's statement regarding WSDOT's Drug and Alcohol Policy</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 May 2012 07:40:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/22_WSDOTDrugAlcoholPolicy.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/22_WSDOTDrugAlcoholPolicy.htm</guid>
      <description>A safe transportation system is the Washington State Department of Transportation’s highest priority. To safely build, operate, and maintain that system, we have long-held and clear policies that strictly prohibit any drug or alcohol use by state employees in the workplace.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Know before you go: long weekend could mean long waits</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 May 2012 04:11:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/Memorial_Day_2012.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/Memorial_Day_2012.htm</guid>
      <description>Memorial Day signals the unofficial kickoff for summer travel, and the Washington State Department of Transportation reminds drivers to plan their trips before taking off this weekend.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Repair work to delay float-out of SR 520 bridge pontoons</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 19 May 2012 01:09:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/18_SR520PontoonFloatoutDelay.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/18_SR520PontoonFloatoutDelay.htm</guid>
      <description>SEATTLE – Float-out of the first six concrete pontoons for the new State Route 520 floating bridge will be delayed to allow crews time to make repairs and modifications after damaged concrete was found in one of the pontoons.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct to close this weekend, May 18-21</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 23:24:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/15_AWV-closed-5-18-21.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/15_AWV-closed-5-18-21.htm</guid>
      <description>Crews will close the State Route 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct this weekend to continue reinforcing a two-block section of the structure located above the route of the future SR 99 tunnel.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SR 20 The North Cascades Highway reopened today at noon</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 02:29:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/10SR20NCHReopens.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/10SR20NCHReopens.htm</guid>
      <description>SR 20, the North Cascades Highway reopend to traffic at noon, Thursday, May 10.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Surplus properties go on the auction block</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 23:51:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/SurplusPropertiesSpring2012.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/SurplusPropertiesSpring2012.htm</guid>
      <description>Surplus properties go on the auction block</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Show your support for Washington’s road workers – Go Orange for Work Zone Safety</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 03:08:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/18_2012_workzone_safety.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/18_2012_workzone_safety.htm</guid>
      <description>OLYMPIA – It’s simple really: See orange, slow down.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>WSDOT begins new toll enforcement program</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 23:05:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/10_WSDOTbeginsnewtollenforcementprogram.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/10_WSDOTbeginsnewtollenforcementprogram.htm</guid>
      <description>WSDOT begins new toll enforcement program</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Construction resumes on I-90 east of Snoqualmie Pass</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 02:03:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/2_ConstructionresumesonI-90.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/2_ConstructionresumesonI-90.htm</guid>
      <description>After a long winter break, construction is getting ready to resume on two major Interstate 90 projects east of Snoqualmie Pass. And that means drivers who cross the pass should prepare for construction related closures and delays.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Federal funds sought for emergency road repairs</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Mar 2012 02:42:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/29_emergency_landslide_fix.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/29_emergency_landslide_fix.htm</guid>
      <description>OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Transportation is applying for emergency federal funds to repair highways in Mason and Clark counties damaged by landslides.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>US 2 reduced to one lane for five days next week in Sultan</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:34:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/032912_US2_RiceRoadclosure.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/032912_US2_RiceRoadclosure.htm</guid>
      <description>US 2 at Rice Road reduced to one lane April 8-13</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Grant funding available for community projects that improve conditions for bicycling, walking</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 03:47:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/BikePedGrants2012.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/BikePedGrants2012.htm</guid>
      <description>Grant funding available for community projects that improve conditions for bicycling, walking</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>North Cascades Highway clearing starts March 26</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Mar 2012 06:36:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/22SR20NCHReopenStart.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/22SR20NCHReopenStart.htm</guid>
      <description>Reopening of the North Cascades Highway starts Mar. 26.  Despite another La Nina winter, crews are optimistic SR 20 could reopen by May.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Studded tire deadline moved to April 16</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 05:12:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/21_studded_tire_extension.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/21_studded_tire_extension.htm</guid>
      <description>Drivers have an extra two weeks to remove their studded tires this year.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>State’s TIGER IV applications support increased mobility, travel choices and international trade</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 2012 03:12:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/2012TIGER4Grants.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/2012TIGER4Grants.htm</guid>
      <description>State’s TIGER IV applications support increased mobility, travel choices and international trade</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Construction starts on new US 97 Satus Creek Bridge</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Mar 2012 04:19:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/SatusCreekBridgeConst2012.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/SatusCreekBridgeConst2012.htm</guid>
      <description>US 97 drivers heading between Toppenish and Goldendale on the Yakama Indian Reservation can expect intermittent delays of up to 15 minutes March through November.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Federal Railroad Administration, WSDOT and Seattle kick off next phase of King Street Station restoration</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Mar 2012 03:34:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/15_kssrestoration.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/15_kssrestoration.htm</guid>
      <description>Federal, state and local officials got a behind the scenes tour today, March 15, of recently completed King Street Station improvements as they kicked off the next phase of the station’s ongoing historic restoration.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Not Good to Go! yet? Your toll bill is in the mail</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Mar 2012 23:36:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/15_CheckMailForTollBills.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/15_CheckMailForTollBills.htm</guid>
      <description>Motorists who crossed the State Route 520 bridge or Tacoma Narrows Bridge without a Good To Go! account, should check their mail for a toll bill.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Construction starts on the new SR 410 near 2009 landslide</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 2012 09:24:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/02/SR410constructionstarts.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/02/SR410constructionstarts.htm</guid>
      <description>Ever since a massive landslide took out a quarter-mile stretch of State Route 410 in 2009, drivers have relied on a swiftly built emergency route that won the Washington State Department of Transportation national recognition. This month marks the start of preliminary construction on a permanent fix that will reroute the highway away from the rural community and begin carrying traffic by this fall.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Procession honoring fallen WSP Trooper Thursday</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 2012 06:26:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/02/SR3_FuneralProcession.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/02/SR3_FuneralProcession.htm</guid>
      <description>Procession honoring fallen WSP Trooper Thursday</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SR 99 tunnel tolling committee meets Wednesday</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 29 Feb 2012 05:53:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/02/28_SR99_toll_committee.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/02/28_SR99_toll_committee.htm</guid>
      <description>The SR 99 Tunnel Project’s Advisory Committee on Tolling and Traffic Management meets Wednesday to continue exploring ways to reduce traffic diversion due to tunnel tolls and meet the project’s funding goals. Committee members will review current freight and transit traffic movements and downtown and waterfront planning efforts.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Expert panel confirms viaduct replacement on schedule, on budget</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/02/21_ViaductReplacement.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/02/21_ViaductReplacement.htm</guid>
      <description>Expert panel confirms viaduct replacement on schedule, on budget</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Statewide meetings kick off disparity study</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:03:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/EqualOpportunityDisparityStudy.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/EqualOpportunityDisparityStudy.htm</guid>
      <description>Statewide meetings kick off disparity study</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>WSDOT seeking projects for the Safe Routes to School Program</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:09:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/2012SafeRoutesToSchool.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/2012SafeRoutesToSchool.htm</guid>
      <description>WSDOT seeking projects for the Safe Routes to School Program</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>WSDOT and WSP face challenging circumstances as they work to keep roadways open, passable</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/19_WSDOTWorkerInjuries.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/19_WSDOTWorkerInjuries.htm</guid>
      <description>Two Washington State Department of Transportation workers injured today while helping keep state roadways open during the winter storm are expected to make full recoveries, WSDOT said today.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Road crews continue clearing roads of snow and storm debris</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/19_icestorm_update2.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/19_icestorm_update2.htm</guid>
      <description>OLYMPIA – Commutes will remain difficult through the night and into Friday as this winter storm continues to pack a punch.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Entire state feeling impact from ice storm</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:35:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/19_icestorm_update.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/19_icestorm_update.htm</guid>
      <description>OLYMPIA - Collisions and tree limbs are piling up on state highways, the Washington State Department of Transportation said today. Drivers may face long delays from icy conditions and road and lane closures throughout the state.</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ice storm impacting travel; trees down on some roadways</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/19_commute_icestorm.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/19_commute_icestorm.htm</guid>
      <description>OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Transportation today urged drivers to use extreme caution because of ice on roadways from freezing rain.</description>
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      <title>Avalanche crews on Snoqualmie Pass assess slopes overnight after a natural snowslide</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:40:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/18_snowslideoni90.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/18_snowslideoni90.htm</guid>
      <description>Avalanche crews are monitoring the slopes above Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass tonight after a natural snowslide covered part of the eastbound right lane and shoulder one mile west of the summit (milepost 51), just after 3:30 p.m. this afternoon. Shortly after the slide, a black Honda Accord drove up onto the debris, which was about a foot deep.</description>
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      <title>Roadway warning from WSDOT: Watch for ice</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/18_IceWarning.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/18_IceWarning.htm</guid>
      <description>Today’s western Washington snowfall, as much as 14 inches in some spots in Pierce and Thurston counties, now gives way to a bigger concern on the roads: ice you can’t see.Forecasts call for dropping temperatures overnight and wet roadways turning to ice.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Severe weather could mean treacherous road conditions</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/17_winter_storm_pm_report.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/17_winter_storm_pm_report.htm</guid>
      <description>Weather conditions tonight, tomorrow and into Thursday are shaping up to make roadway conditions potentially treacherous, the Washington State Department of Transportation said today.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Decision time: Stock up, slow down for weekend storm</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Jan 2012 07:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/13_mlkjrweekendsnow.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/13_mlkjrweekendsnow.htm</guid>
      <description>Road crews statewide are gearing up for what could be the biggest snowstorm of winter 2011-2012, with snow expected from the Hood Canal north to Bellingham, south to Vancouver and east to Spokane.</description>
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    <item>
      <title>First toll bills sent to SR 520 Pay By Mail customers</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:50:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/12_First520TollBills.htm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/12_First520TollBills.htm</guid>
      <description>Within the next week, 19,000 State Route 520 toll bills will arrive in mailboxes across the Puget Sound region. That might seem like a lot, but it’s far fewer bills than the Washington State Department of Transportation expected to send.</description>
    </item>
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