News

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

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.

Spring project will improve safety of guardrails and barriers in King, Snohomish and Whatcom counties

Posted 02/29/2024

SHORELINE – A project to update and improve the safety of 24 guardrails and barriers across King, Snohomish and Whatcom counties begins mid-March, adding energy-absorbing features to reduce the impacts of crashes.

Fish crossing ahead for US 101 south of Forks

Posted 02/29/2024

FORKS – The week of March 4, travelers will see one-way alternating traffic and a reduced 25 mph speed limit on US 101 at the Jefferson-Clallam county line.

Lifelong mariner to lead Washington State Ferries

Posted 02/29/2024

OLYMPIA – Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar announced today that Steve Nevey will serve as assistant secretary for the Washington State Ferries Division. A career mariner, Nevey progressed directly from high school to a maritime academy in the United Kingdom. For the past two years he has served as director of…

Take a look under the hood: Understanding the I-405 express toll lanes and SR 167 HOT lanes

Posted 02/29/2024

Changes are coming to the I-405 express toll lanes (ETLs) and SR 167 HOT lanes March 1, including new minimum and maximum toll rates and extended hours of operations.

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.