News

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

Lighting updates to force temporary closure of Knapps Hill Tunnel on US 97A near Chelan

Posted 08/22/2025

CHELAN – Knapps Hill Tunnel, located on US 97A six miles southwest of Chelan, will be closed for 17 days Sept. 8-24, as part of an illumination update project that has improved signal cabinets at several locations across north central Washington

UPDATE - Announcing ‘Conechella:’ Multiple highway closures across greater Puget Sound weekend of Aug. 22-25

Posted 08/21/2025

SEATTLE – A weekend festival of construction begins Friday night, Aug. 22, and continues through Monday morning, Aug 25, as crews conduct major construction, preservation and maintenance work on multiple highways throughout the Puget Sound region.

Beat the rush: WSDOT travel charts make Labor Day weekend planning easier

Posted 08/21/2025

OLYMPIA – No matter where or how people may travel, the Washington State Department of Transportation has tools to help make Labor Day weekend go more smoothly.

Sandy Williams Connecting Communities Program awards over $15 million for active transportation improvements

Posted 08/21/2025

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Transportation is totaling $15.8 million to support the planning, design and implementation of active transportation projects across the state.

Paving, preservation and repair work on SR 112 between Neah Bay and Sekiu begins Aug. 18

Posted 08/18/2025

NEAH BAY – A big effort to make numerous repairs on State Route 112 between Neah Bay and Sekiu kicks off Monday, Aug. 18.

WSDOT completes summer work on I-5 Ship Canal Bridge in Seattle as partnerships keep region moving

Posted 08/18/2025

SEATTLE – After four weeks of preservation work on the northbound Interstate 5 Ship Canal Bridge the Washington State Department of Transportation, in close coordination with local agencies, transit providers and first responders, wrapped the first phase of Revive I-5 Ship Canal Bridge preservation project.

Bridge strike closes White River Bridge on SR 410 between Buckley and Enumclaw until further notice

Posted 08/18/2025

BUCKLEY – The White River Bridge on State Route 410 between Buckley and Enumclaw is closed in both directions until further notice following a bridge strike on Monday, Aug. 18, that caused extensive damage to the structure.

Planning underway for SR 305 safety improvements at High School Road on Bainbridge Island

Posted 08/14/2025

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND – Early planning work for safety improvements at the intersection of State Route 305 and High School Road is now underway. This pre-design stage allows the Washington State Department of Transportation to gather public feedback and study how people travel through the area.

Daytime closures of US 2 west of Leavenworth scheduled for Aug. 19-21

Posted 08/14/2025

LEAVENWORTH – Three days of full closures are scheduled for US 2 Tumwater Canyon from Tuesday, Aug. 19, through Thursday, Aug. 21.

Ramp meters go live on I-5 between Chehalis and Centralia

Posted 08/14/2025

LEWIS COUNTY – Travelers in Lewis County will soon see new ramp meters turn on to help traffic on Interstate 5 move smoothly and safely.

Starting Monday, Aug. 18, the Washington State Department of Transportation will begin activating six traffic signals on I-5 on-ramps between Harrison Avenue in…

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.