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

Remove studded tires by March 31

Saturday, March 19, 2022

Remove studded tires by March 31st
OLYMPIA – The arrival of spring brings a reminder to drivers in Washington to remove studded tires before the end of the day Thursday, March 31, 2022.

By planning ahead, drivers can beat the rush at tire service shops and avoid a potential fine of $136, starting Friday, April 1.

Studded tires are legal in Washington from Nov. 1 to March 31. The Washington State Department of Transportation encourages drivers to remove studded tires prior to the deadline, if possible. 

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

State law gives WSDOT the authority to extend the deadline when circumstances call for it, most commonly when a forecast indicates widespread snow and ice. While late season storms are possible in the mountain passes, there are no forecasted statewide conditions that would call for an extension of the deadline. 

For mountain travel, WSDOT recommends drivers use approved traction tires and carry chains, if necessary.

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 different studded tire removal 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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SR 104, I-5 ramps to close overnight for light rail work next week

Friday, February 11, 2022

The eastbound State Route 104 on-ramps to northbound I-5 will close from 8pm to 4:30am nightly Monday, February 14 through the morning of Friday, February 17, 2022.

The northbound I-5 off-ramps to westbound State Route 104 will close from 9pm to 4am nightly Monday, February 14 through the morning of Friday, February 17.

Sound Transit contractor crews will continue work on the Lynnwood Light Rail extension during the closures.



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Crews continue to repaint crosswalk markings on Lake City Way

Photo by Juan Cardenas on Unsplash.com
Contractor crews continue to paint temporary stop bars and crosswalks on SR 522 - Lake City Way, nightly. 

This work is weather-dependent and expected to take about three weeks. 

Drivers can expect nightly lane closures with traffic maintained in each direction.


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SR 104, I-5 ramps to close overnight for light rail work next week

Friday, February 4, 2022


The eastbound State Route 104 on-ramps to northbound I-5 will close from 8pm to 4:30am nightly Monday, February 7 through the morning of Friday, February 11, 2022.

The northbound I-5 off-ramps to westbound State Route 104 will close from 9pm to 4am nightly Monday, February 7 through the morning of Friday, February 11, 2022.

Sound Transit contractor crews will continue work on the Lynnwood Light Rail extension during the closures.



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Overnight concrete repairs on I-5 in King County begin next week in Shoreline

Due to schedule conflicts with neighboring projects, the WSDOT contract to replace concrete panels at various locations on I-5 between Tukwila and Shoreline was delayed one week. Work will start up Monday, February 7, 2022.

Nightly lane closures on I-5 will be used to complete the work. Lanes will begin closing as early as 8pm in some areas, potentially reducing one direction of the highway to a single lane by midnight. All lanes will reopen early the next morning.

WSDOT made temporary repairs last summer
Crews will sawcut and excavate the existing damaged pavement, then pour new concrete panels. Many of the 46 concrete panels due to be replaced are located in the Shoreline area. 

These panels were damaged last year when extreme heat caused the pavement to expand and crack. WSDOT maintenance teams patched these areas, but those repairs were meant to be temporary.

The best way to track closure locations and times is by using the WSDOT real-time travel map or downloading the WSDOT mobile app. This work is weather-dependent and will likely be rescheduled if there is rain in the forecast.

The concrete supplier for this job is Nation’s Mini Mix, which is a mix-on-site concrete operation. They’re unaffected by the ongoing concrete drivers' strike.



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Where did WSDOT get their concrete?

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Pavement patching on I-5 last summer
Photo courtesy WSDOT

By Diane Hettrick

After we published the story about WSDOT replacing concrete panels at various locations on I-5 between Tukwila and Shoreline, damaged last year when extreme heat caused the pavement to expand and crack, readers asked:

Where did they get the concrete?

There is a strike going on, now in its third month, of drivers represented by Teamsters Local 174. Construction projects have been reorganized, rescheduled and put on hold.

Yet WSDOT started this week to replace damaged concrete panels over miles of freeway.

According to Joseph Calabro, WSDOT Northwest Region Communications,

The supplier for this job is Nation’s Mini Mix, which is a mix-on-site concrete operation. They’re unaffected by the strike.

Now you know.


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Wenatchee jumbo ferry back in service

Saturday, January 29, 2022

Wenatchee photo courtesy WSDOT

For the first time in more than a year, all three of our largest Jumbo Mark II-class ferries are available for operation after repairs and successful sea trials on Wenatchee wrapped up earlier this week. 

The vessel was pulled from service in November 2020 for scheduled maintenance and was preparing to return in April 2021, when an engine caught fire while the boat was conducting sea trials with no passengers on board.

As a reminder, WSF is still operating on alternate service schedules on most runs until further notice as there are many employees out due to the recent COVID-19 omicron surge. 

Should crewing allow, a second boat will be put into service on the Seattle/Bainbridge, Edmonds/Kingston and Mukilteo/Clinton routes on a daily basis. Riders are encouraged to sign up for rider alerts to receive updates on what schedule we’re operating on each route each day.



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Concrete repairs on I-5 scheduled to begin next week

Friday, January 28, 2022

File photo of concrete repair on I-5
Beginning Monday, January 31, a WSDOT contractor will replace concrete panels at various locations on I-5 between Tukwila and Shoreline that were damaged last year when extreme heat caused the pavement to expand and crack. WSDOT maintenance teams patched these areas, but those repairs were meant to be temporary.

The work requires nightly lane closures on I-5. Lanes will begin closing as early as 8pm in some areas, potentially reducing one direction of the highway to a single lane by midnight. All lanes will reopen early the next morning.

Crews will sawcut and excavate the existing damaged pavement, then pour new concrete panels. Many of the 46 concrete panels due to be replaced are located in the Shoreline area.

The best way to track closure locations and times is by using the WSDOT real-time travel map or downloading the WSDOT mobile app. This work is weather-dependent and will likely be rescheduled if there is rain in the forecast. 



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Breakthrough COVID-19 ferry crew cases affecting service

Saturday, January 15, 2022


Ferries idled at Kingston photo by Jan Hansen
The highly contagious omicron variant is affecting transportation agencies around the world – airlines, bus services and marine transport – including Washington State Ferries. 

Due to COVID-19-related relief requests from hundreds of our ferry employees, combined with ongoing staffing shortages, expect most routes to remain on their alternate service schedules until the current surge subsides. 

That means we will have one-boat service on all routes except Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth, where a two-boat schedule is in place, and Anacortes/San Juan Islands, where we will try to maintain a normal winter schedule.

We appreciate the public’s continued patience as we all work through the pandemic’s unexpected twists and turns. 

Riders are encouraged to sign up for our rider alerts to receive updates on what schedule we’re operating on each route.



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Some passes will open Sunday - WSU cancels classes Monday and Tuesday

Sunday, January 9, 2022

Photo courtesy WSDOT

Update: Sunday, January 9, 2022- 4:00pm
Snoqualmie & Blewett passes will reopen at 5 p.m. today with a 45 mph speed limit & traction tires advised. Priority is to get freight traffic moving; recreational/general traffic should continue to delay travel.
~~~~

WSDOT made good progress clearing Snoqualmie, Stevens, White and Blewett passes on Saturday. 

There’s still a lot of work to go, but Snoqualmie and Blewett will reopen sometime Sunday. It will take longer to get Stevens and White reopened.

Snoqualmie: Using plows, blowers, and graders, they continue to clear snow and make sure hillsides are stable from earlier avalanche concerns. They are also clearing catch basins to allow for drainage from melting snow & rain

One of the tow plows - Plowie McPlow Plow - was moved from Spokane to Snoqualmie Pass to assist with the work. They are on track to reopen on Sunday. They will have a better sense for time late Sunday morning.

Blewett: Avalanche control was successful and crews continue to use a blower and plows to clear the highway. Davenport-based crews sent a blower to help. They are optimistic Blewett will open Sunday and will have a better sense for timing late Sunday AM

Stevens: Several snow slides produced areas of snow that stand 30-35 feet tall. One lane is open to allow crews further access for avalanche control and clearing work. Snow has built up in rare locations on the mountain and they may do avalanche control from a helicopter to knock those hazards down Monday. 

While not Stevens Pass, US 2 Tumwater Canyon east of the pass affects their ability to open Stevens. There have been 208 snow slides in Tumwater Canyon - about 25 slides per mile.

They continue to monitor conditions and work where it is safe to do so to get this stretch of highway open. At this time, it is unlikely Stevens Pass or Tumwater Canyon will reopen before Tuesday

White: While there is no remaining avalanche concern, there is still a substantial amount of snow and debris, including trees, rocks, etc., to remove. Crews have brought in an excavator to help but it is unlikely White Pass will open before Monday

WSDOT says "This has been a long, tough process and again, we appreciate everyone's patience while our crews work as fast and hard as they safely can to reopen. We will have another update Sunday morning."

Washington State University - Pullman

In the meantime, with so many of their students unable to get to school, the WSU Pullman campus will cancel classes on Monday, January 10 and Tuesday, January 11, 2022 to allow students time to return to Pullman safely following recent highway closures. 

All other WSU Pullman facilities and operations will be open normal business hours on Monday and Tuesday.



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WSDOT: Mountain passes closed

Friday, January 7, 2022

A mountain road completely covered with snow; an overpass crossing the road is also white with snow.
Conditions in the passes. Photo courtesy WSDOT

As of Thursday evening, January 6, 2022, Snoqualmie, Stevens, White, and Blewett passes remain closed.

Because of the conditions and amount of work needed to safely re-open, our passes will likely remain closed until Sunday.

Conditions are too dangerous for crews to be in the pass areas. Snow and debris continue to slide onto the highways. Crews are working in areas where it is safe to plow, clear catch basins and do other work to have those areas ready when we can reopen

More snow and possibly rain is in the forecast for the passes overnight. This will only increase the avalanche danger. If it is safe to do so, we will spend all day Friday addressing avalanche issues to create a safe work zone.

Once avalanche work is done, we will spend Saturday clearing the areas, including plowing and treating roads, removing snow/ice from signs, clearing trees and debris from the road and clearing catch basins for drainage.

In lowlands, heavy rain in several areas of the state will increase flood and washout danger. Several rivers are under advisories with risks to increase as snow melt continues. There is high danger of downed trees due to saturated soil, heavy snow and rain.

In Eastern WA, rain/flooding is a concern as is snow and strong winds, including in the Palouse. Blowing and drifting snow produce low visibility and challenging conditions leading to road closures and possibly power outages

We recognize the importance of these corridors but nothing is more important than the safety of our crews and the public. We are prepared to move in once it is safe, and we appreciate your patience during this challenging situation.

--WSDOT



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Snoqualmie Pass closed for avalanche control

Monday, January 3, 2022

Snoqualmie Pass photo courtesy WSDOT


Snoqualmie Pass closed for now

I-90 remains closed from North Bend to Ellensburg. 
  • Crews are preforming avalanche control.
  • Snowing at 1-2 inches / hour.
  • 19 inches of snow fell overnight.
  • No estimated reopening and updates will be provided throughout the morning.  
It might be a record-breaking year. So far, I-90 / as of today's date Snoqualmie Pass has the highest snowfall in two decades. Currently at 236 inches with more to come this season.



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I-5 express lanes to remain southbound through January 3, 2022

Thursday, December 30, 2021

Express lanes to remain open southbound
SEATTLE – The Interstate 5 express lanes will remain open southbound until Monday, January 3, 2022. 

The Washington State Department of Transportation made that decision because of the continuing winter weather conditions.

With the cold temperatures, ice and snow can freeze and lock the express lanes gate mechanisms. 

In the past, attempting to operate the systems in these conditions has resulted in damage to the gates.

Keeping the express lanes open 24 hours a day also helps to reduce snow and ice build-up on the roadway.

WSDOT plans to return express lanes operations to its regular schedule on January 3.



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Paint mishap on SR 99 in Lynnwood

Wednesday, December 1, 2021


Well, this is a new one! A truck spilled ~ 40 gallons of white paint. 

Due to this: northbound SR 99 in Lynnwood was closed for an hour at SW 148th and the ramp from northbound SR 525 to northbound SR 99 was closed as well.

And yes, it really was only 40 gallons.



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SR 520 between Seattle and the Eastside to close this weekend

Friday, October 22, 2021

Graphic courtesy WSDOT

Crews will work around the clock this weekend to remove the old Montlake Boulevard overpass and support structures. This removal over SR 520 will make room to build a new crossing and highway interchange. 

Crews will begin closing roads and ramps on Friday night, October 22 and reopen by 5am Monday, October 25, 2021.

Please note, we originally planned to close Montlake Boulevard and the Montlake Bridge, but those roads will remain open this weekend. Check the Construction Corner as we fine tune the details for the moving parts of this weekend!

Between Friday night and Monday morning at 5am, the following ramps and roads will be closed:
  • Beginning at 8pm on Friday:
    • The on-ramp from Montlake Boulevard to eastbound SR 520
  • Beginning at 9pm on Friday:
    • All lanes of eastbound and westbound SR 520 between I-5 in Seattle and 92nd Avenue Northeast in Clyde Hill
    • All SR 520 on- and off-ramps to and from Montlake Boulevard and Lake Washington Boulevard
    • The SR 520 Trail for bicyclists and pedestrians across Lake Washington
    • Note: The trail under SR 520 to the Arboretum will be open


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Temporary reduced ferry service started October 16

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Ferry schedules are up in the air. Photo by Mary Igl.

From WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation)

We know we provide a vital lifeline for many of the communities we serve and recognize the challenges made by unpredictable ferry service recently because of a severe crew shortage. 

To provide a more reliable travel experience, we made the difficult decision this week to temporarily operate reduced schedules on most routes beginning Saturday, October 16, 2021.

Check our online sailing schedules as they have changed from their current timetables on the following routes starting Saturday, Oct. 16:
  • Seattle/Bainbridge, Edmonds/Kingston and Mukilteo/Clinton: One-boat service instead of two
  • Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth: Daily two-boat schedule instead of three
  • Anacortes/San Juan Islands: Daily three-boat schedule instead of four with no vehicle reservations

Additional sailings may be provided depending on crewing levels and we will evaluate returning additional boats back into service as conditions change. Check our ferry travel alert bulletins and the WSF Twitter page for the latest updates on service by route.



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Long-term closure of I-5 rest areas between Everett and Canada

Silver Lake rest stop is indefinitely closed.
Photo courtesy WSDOT
Travelers who frequently use rest areas along Interstate 5 between Everett and the Canadian border will need to plan for long-term closures.

Staffing needs ahead of the busy winter season and growing safety concerns prompted WSDOT to make the difficult decision to close these rest areas for an extended period.

In recent months, there have been numerous issues with some visitors who are not using the facilities for their intended purpose. 

This includes those who extend their stay beyond the posted limits, illegal disposal of trash and waste, vandalizing the buildings, verbally abusing and even threatening WSDOT employees.

The three rest areas affected:
  1. Custer rest area (north of Bellingham) - northbound closure for at least three months.
  2. Smokey Point (north of Marysville) - northbound and southbound closure for at least three months. WSDOT is working to open access for the RV dump stations at the northbound rest area in the next few weeks.
  3. Silver Lake Rest Area (south Everett) - the southbound rest area is indefinitely closed, including dump stations. The weigh station will remain open. There is no northbound rest area at this location.

WSDOT will reevaluate reopening all rest area facilities early next year and will make a decision based on crew and resource availability.



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Ferry photo contest on Twitter returns with more chances to win

Thursday, September 23, 2021


Get your camera ready or start looking through your albums for an amazing ferry pic! After a year off because of the pandemic, the popular Twitter photo contest is back with more chances to win and have your pic on the cover of the printed sailing schedules! 

All you have to do is follow @wsferries, then post your photo on Twitter between noon Monday, September 27, and noon Friday, October 1, 2021. 

Be sure to include the hashtag #FerryFotoContest. Read the WSDOT blog for more information on rules and requirements.

We'll tweet each of our six finalists on Monday, October 11. Top three finalists with most likes on Friday, October 15 win!



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North Cascades Highway opens with reduced speed limit

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Photo courtesy WSDOT
State Route 20 North Cascades Highway east of Diablo Lake has reopened with a reduced speed zone of 35 mph between milepost 147 and 171. Wildfire response activity continues in the area.





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WSDOT cuts 34 tall trees for sidewalk project - but it could have been 133

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Photo by Melody Fosmore

By Melody Fosmore

Residents driving or walking along N 160th at Dayton Ave N will see a new view of the Washington State Department of Transportation building.

On Monday, approximately 34 tall trees were cut down as part of the WSDOT frontage renovation, permit DEV19-2371. 

WSDOT is in the midst of a $46.5 million dollar renovation which triggers the City code for frontage renovation. WSDOT is financially responsible for this renovation. 

Originally 133 tall trees were to be removed. Since November 2019, due to overwhelming public outcry to “save our tall trees,” spearheaded by Save Shoreline Trees, neighbors, and residents, WSDOT submitted multiple frontage designs to the City in an effort to save the trees along Dayton Ave N, N 155th, and N 160th. 

New view of WSDOT building after trees were cut for a sidewalk project
Photo by Melody Fosmore

WSDOT’s designs saved most of the trees along N 155th by moving the approved 5-foot-wide sidewalk to the south side of N 155th. An elevated walkway will be installed along Dayton Ave N, saving most of the trees along the avenue. Approximately 95 trees have been saved! 

However, the City did not approve WSDOT’s design for a 6-foot-wide sidewalk along N 160th, instead requiring an 8-foot-wide sidewalk. 

There are many sidewalk projects currently in City planning, including the design for 6-foot-wide sidewalks along 5th Ave NE between NE 175th St to NE 182nd Ct where 23 tall trees will be cut down. 

At the City Council meeting on Monday evening, City Council was asked to add the topic of sidewalk widths to an upcoming Council agenda so the citizens of Shoreline have the opportunity to make public comments regarding sidewalk widths before it is too late and what happened at N 160th is repeated over and over in Shoreline.



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