Showing posts with label wsdot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wsdot. Show all posts

Fall ferry vehicle reservations are open now

Monday, August 9, 2021

Photo courtesy WSDOT
Vehicle reservations for fall (September 26, 2021 to January 1, 2022) San Juan Islands or Port Townsend/Coupeville ferry routes are available now.

Here is the link to the reservation page.

For the Anacortes/San Juan Islands routes, another batch of reservations will be released two weeks before each specific sailing. The remaining space on each sailing will be available two days before. 

When Sidney, British Columbia sailings resume, the ferry system will announce in advance when reservations for international service will be made available.



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Respect the signs: SR 20 North Cascades Highway remains closed

Friday, August 6, 2021

Wildfire smoke photo courtesy WSDOT
The North Cascades Highway (SR 20) remains closed to all traffic between mileposts 165-185, seven miles west of Winthrop. 

WSDOT is working closely with the US Forest Service and Okanogan County to identify where fire activity and firefighting operations warrant closure.

Knowing before you go is important. You can stay up-to-date on road closures by following @wsdot_east and visiting the travel alerts page

The USDA Forest Service also provides updates, as does Washington State Parks.

Please don't try to go through this or any road closure. There are no nearby or alternate routes, forest service roads or side roads that allow access. Trying to get through a closed road puts you and others in the area at risk and diverts valuable resources. Closed means closed.

WSDOT's recent blog does provide information about alternate routes to get to the east side of the state, so if that is where you are headed, read it first for some helpful information.



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WSDOT King County News - Montlake Bridge restrictions start tonight

Friday, July 30, 2021

Montlake Bridge photo courtesy WSDOT
From the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)

SEATTLE - The closure we’ve been previewing for months is almost here – and it’s a doozy.

The Montlake Bridge will close to motor vehicles from August 9 to September 3, 2021 as our contractor, Hamilton Construction Co., replaces the aging metal grid deck.

The bridge sidewalks will remain open during that stretch. Before construction can begin, crews will have to do two things: survey the bridge and set up containment.

This involves the following restrictions to traffic:
  • Overnight tonight (Friday morning, July 30): The contractor will hold all traffic, including pedestrians and bicycles, for up to 15 minutes at a time from midnight to 3am. This allows crews to safely survey the bridge. Expect delays during that time.
  • 2-6: Crews will begin to assemble containment on the bridge. Work will likely restrict access on the east bridge sidewalk from 6am to 7pm Monday through Friday. This means bicyclists and pedestrians will need to cross on the south end at East Shelby Street and on the north end at Walla Walla Road/NE Pacific Street.

Do you boat through the Montlake Cut? If you require bridge openings, things will looks different in August. Visit our boating information page to learn more.

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WSDOT opens new Good To Go! system with updated online features

Monday, July 12, 2021

Do you travel on toll roads or bridges?

The Washington State Department of Transportation launched the new Good To Go! Monday, July 12, 2021 following a 10-day closure while the department worked to transition to the new system.

Along with a redesigned MyGoodToGo.com, the new system includes a suite of features requested by customers during the past 10 years. And while WSDOT is excited to share the new system, customers are encouraged to be patient when returning to the website and contacting the Good To Go! call center.

To help customers learn how to use the new self-service features, WSDOT created a series of videos showing how to accomplish common tasks online. WSDOT hopes that providing these resources will help customers navigate the new system and minimize confusion, in addition to helping them avoid potentially long wait times at the call center.

WSDOT has begun to post trips to Good To Go! accounts and customers may see charges to their credit card or bank account if their Good To Go! account replenishes. It will take a while for WSDOT to process all trips which occurred during the closure.

No rush to complete toll tasks

Given the complexity of the transition, WSDOT and its vendors will be carefully monitoring the system. WSDOT is also asking customers to wait a while before visiting the new site or calling customer service if their question is not urgent. With the launch of the new system, customers with unpaid tolls will have at least two extra weeks to pay. WSDOT hopes this additional time will help ease the rush of activity following the reopening.

For updates, and to learn more about the new system, customers can visit the transition webpage, and follow Good To Go! on social media.



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I-5 pavement repair at four locations in Shoreline blocks lanes north and southbound during evening commute

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

WSDOT crews on I-5 at NE 130th just south of Shoreline
Photo courtesy WSDOT

WSDOT had their hands full with two different pavement failures on southbound I-5 in and near Shoreline Monday.

1. Southbound I-5 @ NE 130th St.
2. Southbound I-5 @ NE 145th St.
3. Northbound I-5 @ NE 175th St.
4. Northbound I-5 @ NE 195th St.

The freeway was blocked between 130th and 145th southbound while crews repaired two panels where patches of the concrete crumbled. One section was just north of 145th and the other was at 130th

Three lanes were blocked and traffic was diverted into the HOV lane. Crews were out in 107 degree heat, swinging sledge hammers to break up concrete.

They were finished in about three hours and around 6:30pm that section of the freeway was reopened to traffic.


Northbound
, work to repair the pavement buckle at NE 195th St blocked the two center lanes. The HOV lane was opened to all traffic in this area.

NE 175th is on the list but I have not found information about it.

--Diane Hettrick



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Another pavement problem on I-5 in Shoreline

Monday, June 28, 2021

Photo courtesy WSDOT

WSDOT reports another pavement buckle, this one on northbound I-5 at NE 195th St (pedestrian bridge). 

The two center lanes are blocked. The HOV lane is open to ALL traffic in this area.

4:40pm 6-28-21



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More pavement repairs on southbound I-5 - three lanes closed between 145th and 130th

Photo courtesy WSDOT

3:50pm  6-28-21 Maintenance crews are making immediate repairs to pavement panels on southbound I-5 between NE 145th St and NE 130th St.

Three right lanes are currently closed, with only the left and HOV lane open. The HOV lane is open to all traffic in this area. There is no timetable on when work will be completed.



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I-5 southbound lanes in Shoreline closed three hours for pavement repair

Pavement repair on I-5

WSDOT's Incident Response Team closed all but one lane of southbound I-5 just north of 145th in Shoreline around 6:30pm on Sunday, June 27, 2021  to repair the pavement.

The job took around around three hours and the lanes were reopened by 9pm.

WSDOT did not provide details, but heat makes pavement expand and the truck is parked by what looks like a pavement join / expansion joints.

--Diane Hettrick



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Buckled pavement on I-5 at 185th closed two lanes during repairs

Thursday, June 3, 2021


Traffic was backed up five miles around 5pm on Wednesday, while repairs were made to buckled pavement on I-5 at 185th in Shoreline.

Two lanes were closed and traffic backed up five miles to Northgate.

Crews were not sure how long repairs but take but the job was wrapped up relatively quickly and the lanes reopened.



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Memorial Day weekend ferry travel sailing schedules are different from previous years

Friday, May 28, 2021

Photo courtesy WSDOT

If your holiday weekend plans include a ride on our ferries, double check our sailing schedules.

Most routes will operate on timetables different from Memorial Day weekends prior to COVID-19.

For people boarding a ferry in Seattle, be aware that the vehicle holding lanes and turnstiles for Bainbridge and Bremerton departures have temporarily swapped places.

If coming aboard in a vehicle, prepare for the possibility of long waits during peak travel times.

A face covering is required on public transportation, which includes all our vessels and terminals, indoors and outdoors, unless in a vehicle.



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Express lanes blocked by two collisions Tuesday morning.

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Vehicles were being diverted off the express lanes

If you were using the express lanes Tuesday morning, you were in for a long wait.

WSDOT had to close the express lanes at Northgate around 9:30am to clear two fully blocking collisions near downtown Seattle.

The first collision was a semi-truck which jackknifed after hitting a barrier. It fully blocked all lanes just south of Pike Street.

A second collision blocked the express lanes at Mercer Street.

Drivers in the two mile backup already on the express lanes were diverted off at the Stewart Street exit. The express lanes remained closed for the safety of all the crews on the roadway. The clean up and investigation also delayed the regularly scheduled northbound opening.

There was no information about injuries or when the express lanes reopened.



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Remove your studded tires by end of day March 31

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Photo courtesy WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation reminds drivers that state law requires all studded tires to be removed by the end of the day Wednesday, March 31. 

Starting at midnight on Thursday, April 1, drivers with studded tires face a $136 fine.

Studded tires damage pavement, so removing them promptly after winter has passed helps preserve state roadways.

Tire removal services can get crowded near the removal deadline, so please plan accordingly.

WSDOT is not extending the studded tire deadline this year, but crews continue to monitor roads, passes, and forecasts and will work to quickly clear any late season snow or ice. 

Travelers are always advised to “know before you go” by checking road conditions before heading out and staying up-to-date on changes by using WSDOT’s social media and email alert tools or calling the 5-1-1 road conditions report.

Washington and Oregon share the same studded tire removal deadline. Other states may have later dates, but the Washington law applies to all drivers in the state, even visitors. No personal exemptions or waivers are issued.

More information about studded tire regulations in Washington is available online.


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Jobs: WSDOT - two positions

Wednesday, February 17, 2021


Two positions open at the Shoreline WSDOT

Transportation Management Center Technician (Transportation Technician 3, In-Training)
Closing date Feb 28

Candidates should have a passion for computers, real-time traffic management, and serving the people of Washington. Successful applicants will provide daily traffic management activities in the TMC consisting of operating traffic management systems, tunnel control systems, and radio communications. This position is required to perform advanced traffic management activities and analysis. The goal of this position is to manage daily traffic, accidents, construction, and maintenance closures in the greater Seattle area, Canadian border, and Island County. Decisions made by this position directly affect the safety and traffic flow on the freeway and the adjacent arterial system.

Job description and application

Communications Consultant 3
Closes Feb 24

This is a key role tasked with informing the traveling public about road closures, incidents, and maintenance. The ideal candidate is a self-starter that can effectively identify, research, and respond to issues that arise and become progressively more independent as the knowledge base increases. The successful incumbent will create transparency for the agency, helping to build trust, maintain public confidence, and support people and goods traveling safely.

Job description and application 


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WSDOT plowed I-5 in Shoreline Saturday night

Sunday, February 14, 2021

Plowing I-5 in Shoreline at 195th
Photo courtesy WSDOT

Plows working together can clear the freeway better, like these on SB 5 near Northgate.

It also allows one to pull off to hit the off and on ramps while the other continues on the mainline.

Now we'll see how long it lasts!




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Nightly closures of I-5 in Mountlake Terrace Jan 22-24

Friday, January 22, 2021

Detour in MLT
Sound Transit crews working on the Lynnwood Link Extension will close all lanes of northbound I-5 from 244th Street Southwest to 220th Street Southwest in Mountlake Terrace nightly beginning Friday, Jan. 22 at 11 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 24. 

Each night, the lanes will close by 11 p.m., and re-open the following morning no later than 6:30 a.m.

Traffic will be detoured around the closure on SR 104 and SR 99 before rejoining I-5.

For more information on the upcoming closure, visit Sound Transit’s project website.



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Nighttime travelers should prepare for lane closures on freeways and ramps for repairs and construction

Sunday, January 17, 2021

Lynnwood Link elevated rail section along I-5


If you travel anywhere at night on local freeways you need to be prepared for ramp and street closures because of Sound Transit construction for the Lynnwood Link.

There are a couple of new closures this month for maintenance. All are at night. Here's a list.
  1. Close southbound I-5 one night under Washington State Convention Center
  2. Reduce northbound I-5 two nights during an in-depth inspection of the tunnel life-safety systems.
    1. 11pm Friday, Jan. 22 to 5am Saturday, Jan. 23: Southbound I-5 will fully close at Stewart St. Mercer and Yale Street on-ramps to southbound I-5 will be closed during this time. 
    2. 11pm Thursday, Jan. 28 to 4am Friday, Jan. 29: A single lane of northbound I-5 will remain open between I-90 and University Street. The I-5 collector-distributor will remain open. The University Street on-ramp to northbound I-5 will close during this time. 
    3. 11pm Friday, Jan. 29, to 5am Saturday, Jan. 30: A single lane of northbound I-5 will remain open between I-90 and University Street. The I-5 collector-distributor will remain open. The Cherry Street on-ramp to northbound I-5 will close during this time. 
  3. The I-5 express lanes will remain open in the direction of each night’s closure to help move traffic through the area.

Other work in the greater Seattle area
  1. Crews working for Sound Transit will conduct nightly closures of northbound I-5 in Mountlake Terrace with a signed detour from Jan. 22, to the morning of Jan. 25.
  2. From 11pm Friday, Jan. 29 to 5am Monday, Feb. 1, crews will fully close eastbound SR 520 between Montlake Boulevard in Seattle and 92nd Avenue Northeast in Clyde Hill.

In Shoreline
  1. Night closure at Northeast 185th and 5th Ave NE overpass
    1. As early as, January 21st commuters can expect delays at the NE 185th Street from 5th overpass near Shoreline Stadium. Sound Transit will be setting girders for the guideway for the future link light rail project.
    2. The temporary traffic signal will be back on NE 185th overcrossing after work hours
  1. Closure of I-5 Northbound for night work.
    1. As early as Friday, January 22, Sound Transit’s contractor will close the I-5 Northbound lanes at Exit 177, SR 104, where traffic will be detoured to SR 99.
    2.  Southbound I-5 will remain open in this area. This work will support the trackway that will cross over I-5. Work performed will be along the northbound shoulder as well as in the center median of I-5 near the Mountlake Terrace Freeway station.
      1. Friday, January 22, through Saturday, January 23, 11:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
      2. Saturday, January 23, through Sunday, January 24, 11:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
      3. Sunday, January 24, through Monday, January 25, 11:00 p.m. - 4:30 a.m.
  1. Northbound I-5 off-ramp to Westbound SR 104.
      1. Thursday, January 28, 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
      2. Night Closure/detours: Thursday, 9:00 p.m. - Friday, 4:00 a.m.



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WSDOT seeks comments on State Active Transportation Plan

Saturday, January 16, 2021



The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced an opportunity for people who are interested in the future of active transportation in Washington to comment on a draft of the new State Active Transportation Plan, 2020 and Beyond

The plan serves as the needs assessment for accessible pedestrian and bicyclist facilities, so that Washingtonians of all ages and abilities will be able to walk, bike, or roll to get where they want to go, the same way that people driving have a complete network that was built over time.

The deadline for comments is Monday, February 15, 2021, 5:00pm.

Check out the online open house, where you will have an opportunity to provide your comments and feedback.

WSDOT will also be hosting virtual events to learn more about the safety, mobility, and accessibility issues the plan is intended to address. Register at the links below. Please note Webinar 1 was held on January 13 and is no longer available.

Webinar 2: Noon to 1:00 p.m., Thursday, January 21, 2021

Webinar 3: 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 22, 2021



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WSDOT seeks input on Statewide Human Services Transportation Plan from customers

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Van donated to Senior Center from King county
via Councilmember Dembowski
Every day, people across the state rely on human-services transportation as their sole source of access to jobs, medical appointments, and much more. 

For three weeks in December, the Washington State Department of Transportation is asking the public to share personal experiences about access to mobility that will help determine future investments in communities across the state.

WSDOT is currently hosting an online open house to gather public input on the Human Services Transportation Plan, including confirming unmet needs and strategies to address those needs.

Open house information

Now until Tuesday, December 22, 2020, online. Materials are available in English, Spanish and Russian.

The plan identifies gaps and barriers that create mobility challenges for people with special transportation needs and develops strategies to address those barriers. While WSDOT relies on input from subject matter experts, transportation providers, social-service organizations and other stakeholders, it’s the perspective of the riders and others in the public whose perspectives often prove to be the most insightful.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the plan and how community input shapes it, as well as help WSDOT confirm community needs and strategies to meet those needs. This statewide plan will in turn guide planning efforts at the local and regional levels.

WSDOT intends to finalize and publish the plan in early 2021.

Free WiFi hotspots for participation

Online open house: engage.wsdot.wa.gov/statewide-human-services-transportation-plan-open-house/

Human Services Transportation Plan: wsdot.wa.gov/transit/2021-human-services-transportation-plan

~~

WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at wsdot.com/traffic or by dialing 511.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information
Accommodation requests for people with disabilities can be made by contacting the WSDOT Diversity/ADA Affairs team at wsdotada@wsdot.wa.gov or by calling toll-free, 855-362-4ADA (4232). Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may make a request by calling the Washington State Relay at 711.

Title VI Statement to Public: It is WSDOT’s policy to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin or sex, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its funded programs and activities. Any person who believes his or her Title VI protection has been violated may file a complaint with WSDOT’s Office of Equal Opportunity. For additional information regarding Title VI complaint procedures and/or information regarding our non-discrimination obligations, please contact OEO’s Title VI Coordinator at 360-705-7090.



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Chinook and Cayuse passes closed for the season due to heavy snow

Friday, November 13, 2020

Photo courtesy WSDOT

MOUNT RAINIER – The gates to State Routes 410 and 123 inside Mount Rainier National Park, including Chinook and Cayuse passes, are closed for the season after heavy snow and a forecast of more to come.

These routes closed temporarily Tuesday night, Nov. 10, due to deteriorating travel conditions and a 14-vehicle collision, which included commercial vehicles that are not allowed to travel through the park.

After an assessment of the roads and the upcoming forecast, Washington State Department of Transportation, in coordination with Mount Rainier National Park, made the decision to keep State Route 410/Chinook Pass and State Route 123/Cayuse Pass closed for the winter. 

For the safety of the crews, signs will be removed and facilities will be winterize before more heavy snowfall. Completing this work prevents sign damage and makes the spring reopening more manageable.

The roads inside the park typically close sometime in mid-November each year due to avalanche danger, poor road conditions, lack of emergency services in close proximity and limited snow storage.

Chinook Pass (elev. 5,430 feet) is closed between Crystal Mountain Boulevard, about 12 miles northwest of the summit, and Morse Creek, 5 miles east of the summit. Cayuse Pass (elev. 4,675 feet) is closed within the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park between Crystal Mountain Boulevard and the park arch at milepost 2.5 at the southern park boundary.



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Washington State Ferries to honor veterans Wednesday with moment of silence

Monday, November 9, 2020

Washington State Ferry and Mt Baker
Photo by Mike Remarcke

At 11:11am on Veterans Day, November 11, Washington State Ferries will observe two minutes of silence to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Following the moment of silence, all operating vessels underway will sound their whistles to salute all former military personnel, including the many veterans who work for WSF or ride the boats each day.

“This will be our fifth consecutive year commemorating Veterans Day with a moment of silence and our whistle salutes,” said Amy Scarton, head of WSF. 
“We want to continue this tradition of thanking and supporting veterans and service members who have sacrificed for our country. We are fortunate to call some of them our coworkers as they continue to provide protection and safety for their fellow Washingtonians every day.”

WSF, a division of the WSDOT, is the largest ferry system in the U.S. and safely and efficiently carries nearly 24 million people a year through some of the most majestic scenery in the world.



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