http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/SouthWest/news/ Copyright WSDOT 2008. All rights reserved. Traveler information and News for Southwest Region of Washington State. bertraj@wsdot.wa.gov (Jeremy Bertrand) Washington State Department of Transportation Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:07:52 GMT 15 http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Public/images/nav/wsdot2g4.gif http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/SouthWest/news/ Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:06:07 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/11/2009cablebarrierreport.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/11/2009cablebarrierreport.htm WSDOT's latest cable median barrier performance report now online Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:15:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/11/02_WSDOTseeksbidsforI90IProject.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/11/02_WSDOTseeksbidsforI90IProject.htm WSDOT is gearing up to tackle the second construction contract of an interstate improvement project on I-90 east of Snoqualmie Pass, and is requesting bids from contractors to re-construct the corridor. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:51:48 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/WSDOTwrapsupbusyI-90constructionseason.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/WSDOTwrapsupbusyI-90constructionseason.htm Motorists driving on I-90 east of Snoqualmie Pass will experience a smoother, safer ride as WSDOT and contractor crews wrap up construction on the first phase of the Lake Easton to Bullfrog project this week. The $18.4 million concrete rehabilitation project is one of five American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)-funded projects on I-90 this year. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:48:16 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/27_2009meetandgreet.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/27_2009meetandgreet.htm WSDOT holds Contractor Meet and Greet event Oct. 30 in Seattle Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:44:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/27_bikeandpedestriansafety.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/27_bikeandpedestriansafety.htm Winter days and darker evenings mean a greater risk to pedestrians and bicyclists Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:45:28 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/22_winter_driving_chains.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/22_winter_driving_chains.htm When the 80, 90 and 100-degree days are replaced with wind and record-setting rain, it’s clear fall has arrived and winter is just around the corner. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:07:38 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/21_I-5_SR432_TalleyWayInterchangeOpenHouse.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/21_I-5_SR432_TalleyWayInterchangeOpenHouse.htm LONGVIEW – The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) invites the public to attend an open house to learn about construction and traffic impacts for the I-5, SR 432 Talley Way Interchange project. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:32:56 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/20_SR410update.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/20_SR410update.htm WSDOT and contractor crews today opened the emergency route around the landslide closure on SR 410 to all drivers. Previously only local residents with identification could use the emergency route on Nile Loop Road. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:15:08 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/410telephonehotlineandclosureinfo.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/410telephonehotlineandclosureinfo.htm Hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts will be happy to know WSDOT has shortened the SR 410 closure from 47 miles to four miles after a massive landslide on October 11, 2009. Currently, SR 410 is closed from milepost 104, the west intersection of the Nile Loop Road, and at milepost 108, the east intersection of the Nile Loop Road. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:22:40 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/13_SR410Proclamation.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/13_SR410Proclamation.htm Gov. Chris Gregoire today proclaimed an emergency in Yakima County because of damage to State Route 410 west of Naches. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:24:05 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/12_SR410_eve_update.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/12_SR410_eve_update.htm WSDOT crews are working to re-establish a temporary route around the damaged section of SR 410 west of Naches, with the goal of safe access to Yakima for the 600 homes and businesses along SR 410. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:08:55 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/12_112thConnectorOpens.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/12_112thConnectorOpens.htm VANCOUVER – Drivers destined for NE 112th Avenue from I-205 northbound will enjoy a safer and faster commute as the Washington State Department of Transportation opens the I-205 – Mill Plain Exit – 112th Connector project after a ribbon cutting this afternoon. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:19:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/LandslideclosesSR410Chinook+Pass.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/LandslideclosesSR410Chinook+Pass.htm Landslide closes section of SR 410 Chinook Pass Sat, 10 Oct 2009 03:00:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/09_AmtrakSecondTrainEvent.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/09_AmtrakSecondTrainEvent.htm In an effort to promote cross border travel and a long standing partnership, Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire and British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell joined together to celebrate the start of the long awaited second Amtrak Cascades train service to Vancouver, B.C. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:31:20 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/07_no_signs_in_rightofway.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/07_no_signs_in_rightofway.htm The Washington State Department of Transportation reminds candidates and supporters to watch where they post political campaign signs: only traffic control signs are allowed in the right-of-way. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:00:50 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/07_US101PaverComplete.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/07_US101PaverComplete.htm RAYMOND –WSDOT’s contractor in north Pacific County delivered a smoother, safer drive in the fall sunshine as WSDOT wrapped up the US 101, SR 6 to Grays Harbor County Line paving project this week. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:05:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/05_ARRAPassengerRailTrack2.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/05_ARRAPassengerRailTrack2.htm Washington applies for more than $1.3 billion in second round of ARRA High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail grants Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:46:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/05_US97StimulusPaverComplete.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/05_US97StimulusPaverComplete.htm GOLDENDALE – Drivers on US 97 near Goldendale and Satus Pass will enjoy a safer, smoother ride as the Washington State Department of Transportation wraps up another stimulus-funded preservation project. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:58:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/01_NEChkalovDriveClosure_Oct5-6.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/01_NEChkalovDriveClosure_Oct5-6.htm VANCOUVER – Paving work will close NE Chkalov Drive between NE 112th Avenue and SE Mill Plain Boulevard on the nights of Monday Oct. 5th and Tuesday Oct. 6th. Local detour routes will be available during the closures, which last from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night. Drivers will also encounter a right lane closure on westbound Mill Plain Boulevard. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 22:01:42 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/01_SR14MultipleProjectsOpenHouse.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/01_SR14MultipleProjectsOpenHouse.htm WASHOUGAL – The Washington State Department of Transportation will host an open house Wednesday, Oct. 7 for three projects scheduled for construction next spring that will improve safety and mobility on SR 14 between Camas and White Salmon. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:07:54 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/30_ARRAMonthlyWrapUp.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/30_ARRAMonthlyWrapUp.htm As the summer construction season winds down, the number of completed Recovery Act projects is beginning to climb. In September WSDOT and local governments across Washington completed an additional 30 Recovery Act highway projects, bringing the reported number of completed projects to 38. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:40:29 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/snoqualmiepasscameras.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/snoqualmiepasscameras.htm The Washington State Department of Transportation has expanded its ability to monitor roadway conditions and help the public plan their trips on I-90 across Snoqualmie Pass during nighttime hours. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:05:07 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/23_TrafficFatalities.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/23_TrafficFatalities.htm Traffic fatalities in Washington have hit their lowest level since 1955, according to new data from the Washington Department of Transportation and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:34:15 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/2009BikePedCount.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/2009BikePedCount.htm Washington’s annual survey of bicyclists and pedestrians starts next week, Sept. 29 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:00:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/21_2009AwardsofExcellence.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/21_2009AwardsofExcellence.htm Local transportation projects recognized by FHWA and WSDOT as 2009 “Award of Excellence” winners Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:25:44 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/21_I205RampOpensOverWeekend.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/21_I205RampOpensOverWeekend.htm VANCOUVER – After watching the new I-205 on-ramp bridge at Mill Plain Blvd. go up piece by piece for a year, drivers are now able to use it. Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:48:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/18_GrayNotebookUpdate.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/18_GrayNotebookUpdate.htm An analysis of highways before and after the installation of centerline rumble strips shows a 57 percent reduction in serious injury and fatal crossover collisions. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:19:40 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/17_ThirdUS12ProjectBegins.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/17_ThirdUS12ProjectBegins.htm WHITE PASS – Drivers can expect delays on US 12 near White Pass as the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) begins construction on the last of three projects on US 12 between the Cortwright Creek Bridge in Lewis County and the Lewis/Yakima county line. Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:16:22 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/15_TigerGrants.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/15_TigerGrants.htm The Washington State Department of Transportation submitted applications for three high priority projects in King County, Vancouver, and Spokane to compete for the $1.5 billion available in TIGER Discretionary Grants, part of the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:37:49 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/15_I90BullfrogConcreteProject.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/15_I90BullfrogConcreteProject.htm From now until November, motorists traveling over I-90 east of Snoqualmie Pass should prepare for delays and traffic backups that could add up to one additional hour of travel time to their trip. Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:39:29 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/15_SR501ImpactsBeginTomorrowNight.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/15_SR501ImpactsBeginTomorrowNight.htm RIDGEFIELD – Construction on the I-5, SR 501 Ridgefield Interchange project officially began Sept. 8, and WSDOT’s contractor, Tapani Underground Inc., spent the past week mobilizing equipment and performing preliminary work. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:30:21 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/10WenatcheeScenicHwyMtg.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/10WenatcheeScenicHwyMtg.htm There's a Scenic and Recreational Highways Plan meeting in Wenatchee on Sept. 24. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:43:07 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/09_I-205_112th_WeekendClosures.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/09_I-205_112th_WeekendClosures.htm VANCOUVER – Final construction activities for the I-205 – Mill Plain Exit – 112th Connector project will close lanes and ramps on I-205 and Mill Plain Blvd. over the next few weeks, starting Friday, Sept. 11. Drivers should be prepared for delays and plan to take alternate routes. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 06:21:59 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/8_laborday09_recap.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/8_laborday09_recap.htm It could have been the rain, wind, economy or school calendar. Whatever the reason, the result was clear. There were fewer vehicles on the road in most places for Labor Day 2009. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:03:04 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/lakeeastontobullfrogclosures.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/lakeeastontobullfrogclosures.htm Just when you thought construction was winding down for the season, crews are getting ready to kick it into high gear on I-90 after Labor Day Fri, 04 Sep 2009 23:44:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/4_GregoireLaborDay.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/4_GregoireLaborDay.htm In honor of Labor Day, Gov. Christine Gregoire signed a proclamation encouraging state residents to celebrate Washington transportation workers. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 01:49:18 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/01_WSDOTDeliversSR6Bridge.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/01_WSDOTDeliversSR6Bridge.htm CURTIS – The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and its contractor, Scarsella Bros., Inc., invite the public to celebrate completion of a wider, safer bridge on SR 6 in western Lewis County. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 01:38:39 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/1_LaborDay2009travel.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/09/1_LaborDay2009travel.htm WSDOT offers many ways to know before you go this Labor Day weekend. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 04:57:41 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/31_AugustRecoveryActReport.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/31_AugustRecoveryActReport.htm Delivering on the Recovery Act: More highway projects under way, and construction workforce continues to grow More than 135 highway projects awarded or under way in Washington state. Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:34:15 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/28_us395nscsegmentopens.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/28_us395nscsegmentopens.htm First US 395 North Spokane Corridor segment opens to traffic Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:59:24 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/28_I-5SignInspectionClosures.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/28_I-5SignInspectionClosures.htm VANCOUVER – Multiple lane and shoulder closures on northbound I-5 and Mill Plain Blvd. this weekend will allow crews to perform routine inspections on seven sign structures along the interstate in Clark County. Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:46:29 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/28_US12SlopeRepairsBeginSep1.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/28_US12SlopeRepairsBeginSep1.htm WHITE PASS – Crews will repair a slope beneath US 12 near White Pass starting Tuesday, Sept. 1. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:40:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/24_ARRAHighSpeedRailTrack1application.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/24_ARRAHighSpeedRailTrack1application.htm Washington applies for nearly $435 million in first round of ARRA High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail grants Sat, 22 Aug 2009 01:33:11 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/21_I-5NorthboundRampClosures.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/21_I-5NorthboundRampClosures.htm CASTLE ROCK – Concrete panel replacement and paving work will close the on- and off-ramps at three locations on northbound I-5 next week near Castle Rock. WSDOT recommends drivers consider alternate routes during these closures, which will occur nightly between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:35:44 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/20_SR14TunnelSpeedReduction.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/20_SR14TunnelSpeedReduction.htm WASHOUGAL – Drivers on SR 14 will encounter a temporary speed reduction from 55 mph to 25 mph in Washougal beginning Tuesday, August 25, as the City of Washougal continues construction on the stimulus-funded SR 14 Pedestrian Tunnel project. Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:29:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/20_SR501InterchangeContractAwarded.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/20_SR501InterchangeContractAwarded.htm VANCOUVER – The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) this week awarded Tapani Underground, Inc. of Battle Ground a $15.79 million contract to build a new I-5, SR 501 Ridgefield interchange. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 01:55:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/08122009_AmtrakCascadessecondtrain.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/08122009_AmtrakCascadessecondtrain.htm Second Amtrak Cascades train to Vancouver, B.C. begins service August 19 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:16:05 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/volunteersBike-PedCount.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/volunteersBike-PedCount.htm Annual survey needs volunteers throughout WA to count bicyclists and pedestrians Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:30:14 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/I90Kickoffevent.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/I90Kickoffevent.htm The Washington State Department of Transportation today began construction on the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East project (I-90 Project), a project that will build five miles of wider, safer and more reliable highway for east-west travelers. Tue, 11 Aug 2009 02:26:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/10_trafficinfo.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/10_trafficinfo.htm OLYMPIA – Now it is even easier to know before you go. The Washington State Department of Transportation has added new tools to deliver real-time traffic and incident information to Northwest motorists.