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, 27 May 2012 09:13:56 GMT 15 http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Public/images/nav/wsdot2g4.gif http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/SouthWest/news/ Sat, 26 May 2012 02:45:58 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/Chinookreopening2012.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/Chinookreopening2012.htm Chinook Pass reopened in time for Memorial Day weekend. Fri, 25 May 2012 23:21:34 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/WashingtonMostBikeFriendly.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/WashingtonMostBikeFriendly.htm Washington No. 1 ‘Bicycle-Friendly State’ five years running Thu, 24 May 2012 07:40:03 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/22_WSDOTDrugAlcoholPolicy.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/22_WSDOTDrugAlcoholPolicy.htm 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. Tue, 22 May 2012 04:11:44 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/Memorial_Day_2012.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/Memorial_Day_2012.htm 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. Sat, 19 May 2012 01:09:16 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/18_SR520PontoonFloatoutDelay.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/18_SR520PontoonFloatoutDelay.htm 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. Fri, 18 May 2012 23:04:36 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/18_I5PavingWoodland.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/18_I5PavingWoodland.htm Starting Monday, May 21, Cowlitz County drivers will see this tell-tale sign of construction on eight miles of Interstate 5 between the East Fork Lewis River Bridge and Todd Road, and on State Route 503 in downtown Woodland. Tue, 15 May 2012 23:24:06 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/15_AWV-closed-5-18-21.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/15_AWV-closed-5-18-21.htm 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. Mon, 14 May 2012 23:34:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/14_SCIP_I205OffRamp.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/14_SCIP_I205OffRamp.htm Relief is only a day away for Salmon Creek drivers who use the northbound Interstate 205 off-ramp to Northeast 134th Street. At 6 a.m. on May 15, crews with the Washington State Department of Transportation will open a new lane to help alleviate congestion on the busy ramp. Fri, 11 May 2012 04:22:46 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/10_SR504ReopensMay12.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/10_SR504ReopensMay12.htm SR 504 Spirit Lake Memorial Highway reopens May 12 Fri, 11 May 2012 02:29:21 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/10SR20NCHReopens.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/10SR20NCHReopens.htm SR 20, the North Cascades Highway reopend to traffic at noon, Thursday, May 10. Wed, 02 May 2012 23:51:52 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/SurplusPropertiesSpring2012.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/05/SurplusPropertiesSpring2012.htm Surplus properties go on the auction block Tue, 01 May 2012 05:26:44 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/30_I-5MellenToBlakesleeAward.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/30_I-5MellenToBlakesleeAward.htm CENTRALIA – Interstate 5 drivers are one step closer to faster, safer trips through north Lewis County. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 03:08:26 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/18_2012_workzone_safety.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/18_2012_workzone_safety.htm OLYMPIA – It’s simple really: See orange, slow down. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:23:44 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/17_SR505Repairs.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/17_SR505Repairs.htm WINLOCK – Contractor crews installed a concrete box culvert beneath State Route 505 this weekend, shaving a week off the timeline for emergency repairs on the undermined highway in Winlock. The Washington State Department of Transportation plans to reopen SR 505 by Saturday, April 21. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 05:43:25 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/10_CulvertReplacement.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/10_CulvertReplacement.htm WINLOCK – A brand-new box culvert will replace the crumbling, century-old concrete pipe that opened a sinkhole in the middle of State Route 505 two weeks ago. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 23:05:53 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/10_WSDOTbeginsnewtollenforcementprogram.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/10_WSDOTbeginsnewtollenforcementprogram.htm WSDOT begins new toll enforcement program Tue, 10 Apr 2012 01:20:20 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/09_NewRoundaboutsRidgefieldJunction.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/09_NewRoundaboutsRidgefieldJunction.htm RIDGEFIELD – Construction begins this spring on two roundabouts flanking Interstate 5 near its junction with State Route 501, three miles east of Ridgefield. Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:22:57 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/06_WinlockRepairsBegin.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/06_WinlockRepairsBegin.htm WINLOCK – Emergency work begins, Friday, April 6, to repair a damaged culvert undermining State Route 505 in Winlock. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 02:03:46 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/2_ConstructionresumesonI-90.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/2_ConstructionresumesonI-90.htm 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. Fri, 30 Mar 2012 02:42:49 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/29_emergency_landslide_fix.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/29_emergency_landslide_fix.htm OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Transportation is applying for emergency federal funds to repair highways in Mason and Clark counties damaged by landslides. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:34:57 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/032912_US2_RiceRoadclosure.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/032912_US2_RiceRoadclosure.htm US 2 at Rice Road reduced to one lane April 8-13 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 03:47:25 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/BikePedGrants2012.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/BikePedGrants2012.htm Grant funding available for community projects that improve conditions for bicycling, walking Fri, 23 Mar 2012 06:36:17 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/22SR20NCHReopenStart.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/22SR20NCHReopenStart.htm Reopening of the North Cascades Highway starts Mar. 26. Despite another La Nina winter, crews are optimistic SR 20 could reopen by May. Thu, 22 Mar 2012 05:12:19 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/21_studded_tire_extension.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/21_studded_tire_extension.htm Drivers have an extra two weeks to remove their studded tires this year. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 03:12:19 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/2012TIGER4Grants.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/2012TIGER4Grants.htm State’s TIGER IV applications support increased mobility, travel choices and international trade Fri, 16 Mar 2012 03:34:39 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/15_kssrestoration.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/15_kssrestoration.htm 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. Thu, 15 Mar 2012 23:36:11 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/15_CheckMailForTollBills.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/15_CheckMailForTollBills.htm 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. Fri, 09 Mar 2012 05:24:39 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/08_I-205MillPlainOpenHouse.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/08_I-205MillPlainOpenHouse.htm Fri, 02 Mar 2012 06:42:47 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/01_SR14TrafficShiftBegins.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/01_SR14TrafficShiftBegins.htm CAMAS – Drivers on State Route 14 in Camas and Washougal will see some big changes in their trips next week when crews start the second half of a $49 million project to help improve safety and traffic flow between Vancouver, east Clark County and the Columbia River Gorge. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 06:26:22 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/02/SR3_FuneralProcession.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/02/SR3_FuneralProcession.htm Procession honoring fallen WSP Trooper Thursday Thu, 01 Mar 2012 01:25:59 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/02/29_SR500Girder_Closure.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/02/29_SR500Girder_Closure.htm Drivers on State Route 500 and St. Johns Boulevard will see closures next week as crews burn the midnight oil placing bridge girders that will help open the heavily traveled highway corridor to free-flowing traffic in 2013. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 05:53:26 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/02/28_SR99_toll_committee.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/02/28_SR99_toll_committee.htm 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. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:52:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/02/21_ViaductReplacement.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/02/21_ViaductReplacement.htm Expert panel confirms viaduct replacement on schedule, on budget Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:03:31 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/EqualOpportunityDisparityStudy.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/EqualOpportunityDisparityStudy.htm Statewide meetings kick off disparity study Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:09:44 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/2012SafeRoutesToSchool.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/2012SafeRoutesToSchool.htm WSDOT seeking projects for the Safe Routes to School Program Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:17:56 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/24_SR105_NorrisComplete.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/24_SR105_NorrisComplete.htm RAYMOND – Drivers and fish alike can plan for easier passage on State Route 105 near Raymond as work wraps up on a new bridge designed for a smoother ride for drivers and easier passage for spawning fish. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:19:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/19_WSDOTWorkerInjuries.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/19_WSDOTWorkerInjuries.htm 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. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:13:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/19_icestorm_update2.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/19_icestorm_update2.htm OLYMPIA – Commutes will remain difficult through the night and into Friday as this winter storm continues to pack a punch. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:35:39 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/19_icestorm_update.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/19_icestorm_update.htm 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. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:24:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/19_commute_icestorm.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/19_commute_icestorm.htm OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Transportation today urged drivers to use extreme caution because of ice on roadways from freezing rain. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:25:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/18_IceWarning.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/18_IceWarning.htm 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. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:37:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/17_winter_storm_pm_report.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/17_winter_storm_pm_report.htm Weather conditions tonight, tomorrow and into Thursday are shaping up to make roadway conditions potentially treacherous, the Washington State Department of Transportation said today. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 07:15:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/13_mlkjrweekendsnow.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/13_mlkjrweekendsnow.htm 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. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:50:32 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/12_First520TollBills.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/12_First520TollBills.htm 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. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:00:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/05_I5_MTB_OpenHouse.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/05_I5_MTB_OpenHouse.htm CENTRALIA – During the past two years, drivers on Interstate 5 in Lewis and Thurston counties have seen new lanes, interchanges and highway improvements take shape on 18 miles of the heavily traveled corridor. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:21 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/03_SR14_SR500_Girders.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/03_SR14_SR500_Girders.htm County drivers can expect to see large cranes, high-flying girders and minor delays as crews move forward with traffic improvements on two different state highways this week. Thu, 22 Dec 2011 02:56:40 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2011/12/21_chirstmastravel2011.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2011/12/21_chirstmastravel2011.htm A white Christmas? Could be – at least in the mountains. Travelers should plan to pack tire chains and a winter kit alongside presents before hitting the road. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:15:00 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2011/12/07_ColumbiaRiverCrossingMajorSteps.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2011/12/07_ColumbiaRiverCrossingMajorSteps.htm Columbia River Crossing Takes Major Step Forward Sat, 03 Dec 2011 06:20:15 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2011/12/Draft2012STIP.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2011/12/Draft2012STIP.htm Comments sought on four-year program of transportation projects Sat, 03 Dec 2011 03:20:23 GMT http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2011/12/02_RuralandSpecialNeedsPrograms.htm http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2011/12/02_RuralandSpecialNeedsPrograms.htm Public comments sought on rural and special needs mobility programs