Two new Salish welcome figures greet ferry riders inside the Bainbridge Island walkway

By Diane Rhodes

Skokomish tribal artist Andy Wilbur-Peterson tells the story behind his pair of welcome poles as they’re unveiled on April 8 inside the new Bainbridge Island pedestrian walkway.

A pair of Salish welcome figures newly installed in the passenger walkway at our Bainbridge Island ferry terminal wish passengers a warm welcome and safe travels. The 10-foot-tall hand-carved red cedar welcome poles were unveiled to the public on April 8. Carved by Native American artist Andy Wilbur-Peterson and titled Crossing the Water, they are mounted in two pier houses along the walkway.

See a short video (Facebook Reel) of one of the two welcome poles being installed and unveiled.

“I started carving when I was 19,” Andy said. “Before that I was making baskets. The designs on these poles combine several marine elements such as orcas and waves. The male has a strawberry tattoo on his arm for the island’s strawberries.”

Andy grew up in Shelton, Wash. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Native American studies from Evergreen State College in Olympia where he worked with Makah artist Greg Colfax on a 12-foot female welcome figure for the college. Andy has taught both carving and painting classes to all ages through various tribes and local schools. Andy and his wife Ruth Peterson run their carving studio and gallery from Skokomish, Wash.

WSF consults with federally recognized tribes with treaty rights where our projects are located to include tribal cultural design elements at our terminals. While these pieces add beauty, their presence signals something deeper. Story poles like these are an integral part of Native American culture in the Salish Sea. Often, they tell a story of the place or history of the tribe. And they remind travelers that local tribes and their customs live on here. By showcasing their thriving and vibrant culture to the traveling public, we also honor tribal treaties.

The story of the poles:

A long time ago, after the humans were created, the Creator gave power to the humans to rule the land. When humans came to the water, they wanted to cross to the other side. So, they created a canoe to help them get to where they wanted to go. One day as they were crossing the water they looked down and saw life, so they jumped in and caught Salmon and Octopus and took them to the other side of the water. When they got to the other side, they fed everyone.

Eagle was so appreciative that she gave them some of her feathers so that they could travel far.

Salmon gave them power to cross the water with great ease.

Octopus gave them the ability to go wherever they needed to be.

These poles represent the ability that all humans may travel and have great strength to go wherever they desire and have protection and power within.

--Ruth Peterson

Local community members selected this artwork through a process managed by the Washington State Arts Commission in partnership with WSDOT and WSF.

New rules and new look coming to SR 167

By Lauren McLaughlin

If you’ve been driving on SR 167 during the last few weeks you’ve likely seen some new equipment. We’re here to shed some light on what’s happening on the road.

Cameras, pass readers and more!

We are installing updated tolling equipment. This includes cameras that read license plates, pass scanners, and other equipment to help us manage traffic.

On the gantry you can see pass scanners, license plate reading cameras, lights, and other vehicle detection equipment that will help track when vehicles enter and exit the tolled lane.

This new equipment will help modernize SR 167 and make it consistent with other toll roads in Washington. Drivers without a Good To Go! account will be able to use the toll road via Pay By Mail; a payment option where we’ll take a picture of your license plate and mail a bill. That bill will be sent to the address on your vehicle registration with the Department of Licensing. (The Pay By Mail toll rate is $2 higher than the Good To Go! Rate.)

Right now, drivers on SR 167 need to have a Good To Go! account and a pass installed before they can pay a toll to use the SR 167 HOT lanes while traveling alone.

Once the new equipment is installed people will have the chance to decide during their drive whether the toll is worth it for their trip, the same way they can on all our other toll roads.

As early as this fall, SR 167 will also have toll zones. These zones allow us to better manage the toll rates throughout the corridor. (This is similar to the way tolling currently works on I-405.) That means if there’s heavy traffic in one toll zone, the toll rates might be higher in that area. If traffic is flowing freely in another area the toll rate will be lower.

A mockup of what the new signs will look like on SR 167 when the toll zones are in place.

Along with the new toll zones, SR 167 will be restriped in some areas. Striping will show specific entry and exit points for the tolled lane. There will also be double white lines separating the tolled lane from the general purpose lanes. But unlike I-405, SR 167 will continue to have just a single tolled lane in either direction.

HOV to express toll lane

We’re also extending the northbound toll lane further south to Sumner. That change allows us to manage traffic for a larger piece of the roadway. It also gives drivers a chance to decide sooner if the toll is worth it. If they decide it is, they will get more benefit from it.

However, this does come with some growing pains. The installation of license plate readers means that people who carpool on SR 167 will need to have a Good To Go! account and a Flex Pass installed in their vehicle. That pass has to be set to HOV mode to travel toll-free. Motorcycles will need to have a Motorcycle Pass to travel toll-free on SR 167. In the future, anyone traveling without a Motorcycle Pass or a Flex Pass set to HOV mode will be charged a toll, no matter how many people are in the car.

The good news is that it’s completely free to open a Good To Go! account! Our Pay As You Go option allows you to open an account with just a credit card, and have your tolls charged to your card after your trip. And even better, we plan to give out free Flex Passes and Motorcycle Passes later this year to help make that transition easier!

We’ll have more information about how to get a free pass available this summer, as well as timing for when the rules will change for SR 167.

Testing in progress

As the installation continues over the next few months you may see lights flashing or words or numbers displayed on the new signs. Don’t worry, that’s part of testing the new equipment.

Even if you see those lights and numbers on the new signs, you won’t be charged a toll for driving by them until the system upgrades take place later this year.

A new sign structure on northbound SR 167 near Sumner, showing an entry and exit point for the tolled lane is coming up. There is also a rate sign, with its information obscured, which in the future will display what the tolls are for each toll zone ahead.

Travel disruptions
We started installing the updated equipment near Sumner. We’ll be making our way north over the next few months. The work does involve some overnight lane reductions and road and ramp closures. Be sure to keep an eye on our project page for the most up-to-date information about closures and planned work.

Heavy equipment and work crews need to use all lanes when installing certain elements of the new equipment. The work is done at night to avoid too much disruption to daily commutes.

Why update now?

This work has actually been in progress since 2023 (and has been in the works long before then). The ultimate goal is to seamlessly connect three toll facilities, creating an approximately 50-mile tolled corridor. That would allow drivers to travel all the way between Sumner and Lynnwood without needing to exit the tolled lanes. To do that, the tolled lane on SR 167 needs to work the same way as the tolling on I-405. We especially want this update in place before the new toll lanes open on I-405 between Renton and Bellevue.

The SR 167 HOT lanes opened in 2008 as a pilot program to test if tolling could be used as traffic management tool. The pilot was one of the first of its kind in the country. At the time, the equipment was state-of-the-art. After 17 years, the equipment has aged and will soon no longer meet the needs of our system or our customers.

Like all systems, tolling equipment must be regularly updated so it continues to work reliably. Our oldest toll road is the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Earlier this year we updated all the equipment on the bridge for the first time in nearly 19 years. We also monitor other roadways as they age to make sure the equipment still meets our needs. We will consider equipment updates on those roads as needed.

Close call: Work zone crashes a growing danger for road crews

By Scott Klepach

Kevin Nicholson was getting ready to settle in for the night when his work phone suddenly rang. He knew something was off to get a call in the middle of the night.

It was Oct. 15, 2023, and the night shift had already started. At the time, Nicholson was a highway maintenance supervisor for our Cle Elum area team on I-90. The call was from his crew telling him there was a collision in Cle Elum involving a semi-truck carrying cold storage food. The semi had struck the guardrail and rode down the barrier along a bridge. Finally, its trailer jackknifed.

Nicholson quickly arrived on the scene. Crews closed off the right lane of westbound I-90 and waited for the tow truck to arrive. WSDOT maintenance crews also help with debris clean-up and traffic control during and after crashes.

WSDOT maintenance crews keep I-90 near Cle Elum closed longer after a semi-truck struck a Road Warrior that had been set up to protect crews clearing debris from an earlier crash.

Nicholson and his crew started clearing the road of debris so the front-end loader could get there quickly. But that’s when another semi-truck crashed into our rig in a closed work zone.

A second collision

The truck ran into our Road Warrior vehicle. These vehicles are placed in advance of the closed work zone. They have warning lights and flashers to alert travelers of a crash ahead. These vehicles help deter the public from entering the work zone and help protect the crew members if someone does drive into the work zone.

Nicholson remembers vividly hearing the secondary semi-truck crash. In addition to the Road Warrior truck, a WSP trooper vehicle was also struck. Two troopers were sent to the hospital with minor injuries. Our Road Warrior fuel tank was ruptured by the impact. That second incident resulted in an extended closure of the highway, with one lane being closed for several more hours. We often hear from travelers frustrated by being stuck in a backup. Especially when injuries occur. The Washington State Patrol needs to meticulously investigate the cause of the crash and allow first responders to provide medical assistance to victims. Then we work to reopen the roadway as quickly and safely as possible.

A WSDOT Road Warrior was positioned as a protective barrier for maintenance crews clearing debris from an earlier crash when a semi-truck drove through the work zone, causing a second collision on I-90 near Cle Elum in October 2023. The crash damaged the Road Warrior and ruptured the fuel tank.

“Unfortunately, we see this kind of thing a lot as we set up a work zone,” Kevin said, adding that driving behaviors have worsened over the last several years. “We see people driving upwards of 80 miles per hour or greater on our highways, barreling into work zones, distracted or under the influence. That puts everyone at risk.” WSP reports speeding and erratic driving have increased.

We work closely with WSP, who is the enforcement agency for state highways on coordinated public emphasis and safety campaigns. This can mean additional patrols for things like DUI and chain-up requirements during winter. This helps keep everyone safe and able to get to where they need to go.

Increase in speeding and erratic driving puts everyone at risk

Nicholson says his crew notices that people drive better if they see red and blue flashing lights. WSP has begun pulling vehicles over more often for speeding and driving distracted (like cell phone use).

In 2024, there were 246 citations issued for distracted or inattentive driving in state road work zone crashes. In 2024, the total number of work zone-related crashes increased from 1,377 crashes in 2023 to 1,607 crashes. That’s an increase of 17%. The most significant rise was in serious injury crashes. These crashes increased by 36% from 2023 to 2024. Our crews say they regularly see drivers looking at their phones. Drivers are sometimes texting or even watching shows as they blow past signs about slowing down or stopping – which puts everyone on the road at risk.

Work zone crashes aren’t just dangerous for our workers. They’re also dangerous for travelers. Statistically, in Washington travelers are more at risk in work zones than the workers. In 2024, 96 percent of Washington roadway work zone fatalities and injuries were to drivers or their passengers. Also, traffic fines are doubled in work zones, so speeding drivers could also face hefty fines.

Changes to work zones for increased safety measures

We are working in-house and with construction, union, contractor, and legislative partners to improve safety in work zones for everyone. We are taking new and additional steps in designing some of our work zones. We’re also looking into new safety equipment and approaches. We will continue to schedule more projects during daylight hours. We now combine projects, when possible, to reduce the number of times our crews are exposed to traffic. You’ll also see more closed lanes and longer work zones to create more of a buffer between workers and active traffic. These actions can increase congestion on major routes, and we know they are not popular with travelers. However, we must prioritize worker and traveler safety and balance these needs cohesively.

Why does this matter? According to Jason Pratt, a maintenance operations superintendent, driver behavior needs to change.

“We give travelers multiple warnings of an upcoming work zone or crash site,” says Pratt. “More often than not, they don’t pay attention and that is really unfortunate because it puts everyone at risk.” For this incident, he said the night crew had already installed a large message board sign 14 miles prior to the incident that warned travelers. There were also several pre-warning signs closer to the scene where the right lane was blocked.

A semi-truck is damaged after running into a WSDOT Road Warrior causing a second crash scene.

Far too many of our workers have had close calls, serious injuries and even deaths in our work zones. It’s hard to find a crew that hasn’t had an injury or numerous close calls. Most road workers can recount incidents where they had to take action to avoid tragedy due to drivers entering work zones. We have had 61 workers killed on the job - many in marked work zones. We hope we never have to add another name to this list.

Safety is paramount

Our crews have regular safety discussions before and after their work using what is called Take 2 for work activities like patching potholes or bridge cleanings. It’s designed to let crews speak up, ask questions and promote safety not just for themselves, but everyone involved on the job and travelers who may enter the area.

“We have a strong team environment,” Nicholson says. “Our crews notice what doesn’t seem right and are equipped to ask questions. We want everyone to go home to their loved ones at the end of their shift.”

We ask all drivers in work zones to:

• Slow Down – drive the posted speeds, they’re there for your safety
• Be Kind – our workers are helping to keep you safe and improve the roadways
• Pay Attention – both to workers directing you and surrounding traffic
• Stay Calm – expect delays, leave early or take an alternate route if possible; no meeting or appointment is worth risking someone’s life

Nicholson noted the crashes that day could have been much worse. Thankfully no one died, but our crews and partners are always on the alert for what is coming down the road. Do them a favor by slowing down in work zones, putting the phone down and never driving under the influence.

New I-405 bridges over Northeast 85th Street

Travelers will soon be driving across the new northbound and southbound I-405 bridges spanning Northeast 85th Street in Kirkland. Crews are completing construction of the new bridges this spring, as part of the I-405/Northeast 85th Street and Inline BRT Station Project.

Upcoming lane reductions on southbound and northbound I-405 in April

Southbound I-405 Lane Reduction to 2 lanes

• April 11, 10:30 p.m. - April 14, 6:30 a.m.
• Kirkland, from NE 124th to NE 85th St.
• Express Toll Lanes will be open to all traffic

During the southbound lane reduction, crews will be preparing the roadway for the traffic switch to the new bridge. The general purpose lanes of southbound I-405 will shift to the new bridge during an overnight lane reduction later in April. The southbound ETLs will shift shortly after as part of ongoing nightwork.

Northbound I-405 Lane Reduction to two lanes

• Late April (exact dates to be announced)
• SR 520 to NE 85th St.
• Express Toll Lanes will be open to all traffic

The process will be the same as the southbound switch. Northbound I-405 drivers using the general purpose lanes will start driving on the new northbound bridge. The Express Toll Lanes will shift to the new bridge during the week as part of ongoing nightwork.

Map of southbound and northbound traffic shifts to the new I-405 bridges.

Expect increased congestion and plan for additional travel time during the closure. Use alternate routes and travel during off-peak hours to the extent possible.

Details and updates about the lane reductions will be posted on the project webpage. The schedule may change because construction can be unpredictable.

Making room: Weekend closure of Northeast 85th Street in May

• Between Kirkland Way/114th Ave NE and 120th Ave NE
• For demolition of old I-405 bridges and construction of new interchange
• Expect noise, dust, and vibration near the area.
• Details to be shared before closure.

During this closure, crews will demolish the old I-405 bridges to make room for the lower and middle levels of the three-level interchange. After demolition, crews will excavate Northeast 85th Street to make room for a new oblong-shaped roundabout on Level 1 and the multimodal hub on Level 2. Level 2 will provide access for transit riders, carpoolers, express toll lane users, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Example of an oblong-shaped roundabout near Columbus, Ohio.

The new three-level interchange on I-405 in Kirkland.

Mark your calendar for the next quarterly project update webinar, May 27

The meeting will provide an opportunity to learn more about the upcoming construction work, ask questions, and find out how to stay informed. The project team will hold this meeting via Zoom from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27. Registration will be posted to the project webpage in early May.

If you have any questions and/or you would like to sign up for project updates, please email I405SR167Program@wsdot.wa.gov. Stay informed by subscribing to WSDOT updates for King County.

The One Where You Think it’s an April Fools’ Joke about Revive I-5 (but it isn’t)

By: RB McKeon

We get it – after many changes on the I-5 Yesler to Northgate project, when we say we've got some work to do this summer you might think this is a well-timed April Fools' joke – but it isn't. As negotiations with our contractor continue, we have identified approximately four weeks of critical construction activities in 2025 as the best way to complete the project by the end of the 2027 construction season.

Last time we talked about this project, we shared that the long-term linear lane closures originally planned for 2025 were pushed to 2026 to align construction spending with available funding. That's still true. While we pivoted away from long-term lane closures in 2025, a shortened season of work this summer will allow crews to understand the condition of the bridge below the surface and get back some of the time we lose next season when most work across the region is paused during the FIFA World Cup.

What's happening in 2025

We have four weeks of lane closures on northbound I-5 at the Ship Canal Bridge and two weekend closures of northbound I-5 between I-90 and Northeast 45th Street happening between Friday, July 25 and Monday, Aug. 25.

During this summer's closures, contractor crews from Atkinson Construction will:

• Repair and resurface up to 20% of the northbound Ship Canal Bridge deck.
• Partially repair five expansion joints.
• Replace bridge drain inlets.

Full closures and lane reductions

To complete this critical preservation work, construction crews will:

• Close all lanes of northbound I-5 from I-90 to Northeast 45th Street from Friday night, July 25 to early Monday morning, July 28. During the closure, crews will set up work zone barriers, restripe lanes and replace bridge drain inlets.
• When northbound I-5 reopens on July 28, it will be reduced to two lanes for approximately four weeks, with the speed limit reduced to 50 mph.
• Close all lanes of northbound I-5 for a second weekend from I-90 to Northeast 45th Street from Friday night, Aug. 22, to early Monday morning, Aug. 25, when all lanes reopen. During the closure, crews will remove the work zone, restripe lanes and replace bridge drain inlets.

There's never a good time to do this work

Recognizing the difficulty of closing lanes on I-5 during Seattle's busy summer, WSDOT scheduled this work to avoid major holiday weekends and peak events, such as Fourth of July, Labor Day and Ichiro Suzuki's Hall of Fame celebration at T-Mobile Park.

And, to help mitigate the effect on traffic:

• The I-5 express lanes will remain open in the northbound direction around-the-clock during the lane reductions.
• Drivers can use I-90 exits, the collector-distributor lanes or alternate routes to navigate closures.

Why now?

The I-5 Ship Canal Bridge carries nearly 200,000 vehicles a day, and its deck has reached a point where delays in repairs will only lead to more frequent and severe rehabilitation needs. The summer 2025 work allows WSDOT to:

• Prevent more emergency repairs that cause unexpected traffic disruptions.
• Stay on track for the 2026-27 bridge rehabilitation project, avoiding conflicts with the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
• Gather critical data on the bridge's condition below the surface to better prepare for future work in 2026 and 2027.
• Evaluate the effect on traffic of a northbound closure, especially with express lanes running northbound around-the-clock during this period.

This isn't an April Fools' joke, and we promise, it's for a good reason. There's never a perfect time to close lanes on I-5, but these four weeks of work help keep us on track for the bigger preservation project ahead.

We'll keep working with our partners, sharing updates, and making sure you know before you go.

25 years later, Belle Williams still grieves the loss of her husband killed in a work zone collision on US 12

By: Tina Werner

They say it gets easier with time. It hasn’t for Belle Williams. She has grieved the loss of her husband every day for 25 years.

Sam Williams was a highway maintenance worker based out of Morton in southwest Washington. On Feb. 22, 2000, Sam kissed Belle and their four children goodbye before leaving for his shift. It was the twins' birthday, and their party would be later that night. Sam was flagging in a marked work zone along US 12 near Mossyrock – simply doing his job – when he was hit by a speeding and distracted driver. Sam never made it home. He later died in the hospital. Belle stayed by his side, even after he passed. He was 41 years old.

Belle Williams (center) is surrounded by her four children with a photo of Sam Williams. Sam was killed in 2000 when a distracted driver entered his work zone on US 12 near Mossyrock. Law enforcement cited the causing driver for excessive speed.

“He is not with us physically anymore, but he is always with us,” Belle said.

Sam’s passing left a profound impact on those around him. Those closest to him described him as a devoted father, husband and community member. His absence has meant missing out on pivotal family moments—father-daughter dances, lawnmower races with his son and graduations.

Sam was a valued member of the Morton maintenance shed, loved his community and served as a volunteer firefighter. Belle described his death as tragic and something she hopes no other family ever has to endure.

In addition to being a dedicated highway maintenance worker with us, Sam Williams was also a volunteer firefighter in his community. He is seen here coming out of a smoke-filled home in Morton, receiving a fresh oxygen tank.

On the day of the work zone crash, Belle remembers having a bad feeling when Sam kissed them goodbye.

“He hugged us and even sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to the twins,” said Belle. “He was a great dad, and we had no reason to believe he wouldn’t be home that night to celebrate our girls’ birthday.”

While mourning the loss of her spouse, Belle faced yet another challenge—a cancer diagnosis. But she fought and beat it, embodying resilience. Her children were her motivation to stay strong.

Sam and Belle had four children together. Thanks to WSDOT’s Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization supported largely by employee contributions, the Williams children received college scholarships. The foundation has provided financial support to 292 families, totaling $547,000, helping with medical expenses, assistance for families of fallen workers and support for injured employees.

Belle said she and the children are grateful for the scholarships they received.

“Going to college was one of Sam’s many goals for his children. The WSDOT Memorial Foundation helped make that possible,” said Belle. Their son, Sam Jr. works for us in Morton doing highway maintenance work. The Morton facility is the same facility his dad, “Big Sam”, worked out of.

Belle (left) with her daughter Kelsey (right) pose for a photo in March 2025 at the Columbia Tower in Seattle for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Firefighter Stair Climb.

Belle is now retired from the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, but the grief still lingers.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Sam’s death. Work zone employees are spouses, parents, children, siblings and friends—they all deserve to go home safely at the end of their shift.

Unfortunately, many workers have faced close calls, serious injuries or death due to drivers' actions in work zones. Crews work mere inches from speeding traffic and workers often recount incidents where quick action prevented tragedy.

We’re seeing more speeding and erratic behavior in work zones– which puts everyone at risk.

• In 2024, the total number of work zone-related crashes increased by 17 percent, rising from 1,377 crashes in 2023 to 1,607 crashes.
• The largest increase was in serious injury crashes, which rose by 36 percent from 2023 to 2024.
• It’s not just road crews at risk in work zones: Nearly 96 percent of people injured in work zone crashes are drivers, their passengers or nearby pedestrians. It is in everyone’s interest to pay attention and drive safely in work zones.

Most work zone crashes are preventable. According to the Washington State Patrol, the top three reasons for work zone collisions in 2024 were:

1. Following too closely
2. Excessive speed
3. Inattention/distracted driving

While even one loss is too many, we now have better tools to keep our workers and the traveling public safe in work zones. We collaborate with construction teams, unions, fellow state agencies and legislative partners to enhance work zone safety for everyone. We adopt proactive approaches to work zone design. As new technology is developed, we explore new safety equipment and tactics to minimize worker exposure to traffic.

Additionally, the phased rollout of the Work Zone Speed Camera Program in active construction, maintenance and crash zones will begin this year. This program, built in partnership with the Washington State Patrol and other safety-focused agencies, aims to prevent tragedies. It starts with one camera and will expand to six by this summer.

Belle holds a framed photo of her husband Sam Williams. This year is the 25th anniversary of his death. Belle hopes to raise awareness about the importance of work zone safety.

The goal of the program is simple: save lives. And Belle is hopeful it will do just that.

“If it saves one life, it will be worth it,” says Belle.

You’re not in the Twilight Zone – it’s summer road construction again (and again and again)

By: Angela Cochran

Narrator: “You're traveling around the Olympic Peninsula, a peninsula not only of sight and sound, but of mind. A journey along a wondrous highway whose boundaries are that of natural marvels. Your next stop, the Road Construction Zone!”

We’ve all had that feeling – you walk into a house or a hotel or an office building for the first time, but it feels like you’ve been there before. Or you’re driving on US 101, and you see a traffic light where you’ve never seen one before. A few miles down the road, there’s another traffic light. Is it déjà vu?

No, it’s construction, and it’s coming this summer to a highway near you.

Don’t worry, though, you’ll still be able to get to your destination. Grab some snacks, turn the radio up and please, for the love of Baby Yoda, slow down in the work zones.

If your summer plans include traveling around the Olympic Peninsula, you’ll likely see numerous road work for fish passage and bridge or road preservation projects.

Truth be told, you’ve heard us talk a lot about road construction around the peninsula the past couple of summers. This year is no different. You’ll see many new work zones along with a few that are the same as last year.

Fish, fish, and more fish

It’s no secret that we are working to improve fish passage under state highways. We ramped up efforts on the Olympic Peninsula in 2023 by working on several sites in a particular area at a time. This summer, a whopping 16 work zones will greet travelers on US 101 from Discovery Bay, west to Sequim, Port Angeles, Forks and south to Lake Quinault.

Many work zones will have temporary bypass roads to keep people moving. Those bypass roads will have temporary traffic signals or work crews alternating traffic on one lane. This is what you’ll see along US 101 west of Olympic National Park.

Traveling along US 101 west of Lake Crescent then south to Lake Quinault, you’ll see 10 work zones with temporary bypass roads and traffic signals.

Some of the culvert locations require full closures with detours. In Port Angeles, work at Tumwater Creek includes an 80-day closure of US 101 that started March 3. Travelers are following a signed detour using SR 117. We have a video showing the detour on our YouTube channel. In July, a full closure will be in place on SR 116 near Port Hadlock-Irondale.

US 101 is closed at Tumwater Creek while crews dig up the roadway to replace an outdated culvert.

On your way into or out of Port Angeles, you’ll encounter two more fish barrier removal work zones. At Lees Creek and Ennis Creek, we’ve begun a two-year effort to take out culverts beneath US 101. The work zones are just east of the city limits. There are no daytime closures for these locations. Instead, take note of the reduced speed limit and lane shifts you’ll see within the work zones.

If you’re headed to or from the coast in Grays Harbor County, you’ll once again travel through several work zones along US 12/SR 8. We’ve been working on a fish passage project at five locations between Olympia and Montesano since 2023. We are getting close to the finish line but still have some work to do before opening the lanes at each site. Right now, all five work zones have one lane open in each direction. Throughout spring and summer, we will shift traffic to open the other two lanes. Once that happens, you’ll still see daytime lane closures while our contractor finishes landscaping and other final work.

Last fall, our workers saw fish swimming upstream of the new culvert installed under SR 8 near McCleary. We are finishing up road work there this spring and summer.

Preserving our roads and bridges

Last summer, we finished work on a new US 101 Elwha River Bridge and opened the bridge to travelers. Our new bridge is replacing the original bridge that was built in 1926. This summer, crews will return to remove the original bridge. We don’t anticipate any delays to travelers for this work, but if something should change, we will share on the project webpage.

Over on the Hood Canal, the SR 104 bridge needs constant maintenance and upkeep, in large part due to the salt water it sits in. In April, the bridge will again have routine inspections performed. In August, construction crews will wrap up work on the bridge’s center lock system and shock absorbers. All of this work will require some short-term openings of the bridge that last 30 to 40 minutes during daytime hours. Some work will require the bridge to close to traffic during overnight hours from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. We will share out specific dates for this work once it becomes available.

A shock absorber removed from the SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge in May 2024.

We also have plans to help give drivers a smoother ride this summer on a couple peninsula state highways. Sections of US 101 south of Shelton and SR 112 in Clallam County will see a new roadway surface this summer.

US 101 paving will take place between Shelton and Olympia. Along with single-lane closures in both directions, you’ll see the speed limit reduced from 60 mph to 45 mph.

On SR 112, we have a paving, preservation and emergency repair project. You can expect to see some one-way alternating traffic there later this summer. Keep an eye on our statewide travel map for updates and real-time traffic information.

Stay informed – Online Open House

We know this is a lot to absorb if you’re planning any trip – long or short – around the Olympic Peninsula this summer. We’ve placed all the projects in one location: the 2025 Olympic Peninsula Online Open House. You’ll find maps, links to project webpages, detour maps and videos. The projects are sorted by county. There’s also a place to send us questions.

Make sure to take us with you. Download our app. Use it as you journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination.

Bottom line, go explore – have fun – you'll get there. Please watch for our work and the people performing it.

Road construction season moving into high gear on I-5, SR 529 in Marysville

By Tom Pearce

As we move through March, we're getting close to the change of seasons. The weather is becoming warmer (sort of), the days are growing longer, trees are budding. That can only mean one thing – it's road construction season.

OK, so it means two things. But the arrival of spring heralds the time of year when we can do our most ambitious work. We're kicking it off with a big closure the last weekend of March near Marysville in Snohomish County.

From 11 p.m. Friday, March 28, to 4:30 a.m. Monday, March 31:

• the southbound I-5 off-ramp to southbound SR 529 will be closed.
• southbound SR 529 at the Ebey Slough Bridge will be closed.

This weather-dependent work could be postponed if it rains.

We'll accomplish a couple things during this closure. One of our contractors will tie in the new southbound I-5 off-ramp to SR 529, while another contractor works on the southbound SR 529 bridge. Coordinating these two projects means one less closure for people who use SR 529.

In February, contractor crews placed girders for the new southbound I-5 off-ramp to SR 529. The new ramp is scheduled to open at the end of March.

To finish the new ramp from southbound I-5 to SR 529, we need a weekend-long closure of the temporary off-ramp people have been using for about a year, as well as the right lane of I-5. We also need to close a section of SR 529 where the new off-ramp connects to the highway, north of Steamboat Slough.

Our contractor crews have worked on the new southbound I-5 off-ramp for about a year. For the past several months, people have used a temporary ramp. This closure will allow our contractor to finish paving and lane striping at both ends of the ramp; when they finish, the new ramp will open the morning of March 31.

It's all part of a larger project to complete the I-5/SR 529 interchange. In late spring or early summer, we'll open a new SR 529 on-ramp to southbound I-5 and a new northbound I-5 off-ramp to SR 529, offering another option for people going to or from Marysville. This project includes a roundabout, which will allow people exiting northbound I-5 to use southbound SR 529 as well as the northbound highway.

It's always construction season

Even referring to spring as the start of construction season is a bit of a misnomer anymore. The days when we would reduce work to mostly maintenance when the weather gets cold are history. The amount of preservation and improvements needed means we have to work all year. Our contractors and maintenance crews have been working on I-5, I-90, SR 203, SR 509 and many others throughout the winter.

We appreciate you paying attention in work zones to keep the people working on these projects safe, especially during the long, dark winter nights. As we move into longer, warmer days, please drive carefully, especially in any work zone.

Applications are being accepted for FREE overnight high school transportation camps this summer

By Lisa Walzl

Are you a high school student curious about how we decide where highways go? Want to learn what we're doing to help the earth by reducing our carbon footprint? Or how we plan for the future while keeping people and goods moving? Ever just wanted to get a behind the scenes tour of a bridge or other parts of the transportation system? Know a teenager who does?

If so, we have a summer camp experience for you. We're offering high school students a chance to spend a week exploring the transportation field. You’ll meet with statewide experts, agency leaders and university professors at our Washington Transportation Camp 2025 hosted by PacTrans and WSDOT.

Students touring the WSDOT Transportation Management Center in Shoreline

We're offering a free six-day/five-night camp this summer. The camp includes lodging at a state university. One camp is at Washington State University in Pullman from June 22-27. The second is at the University of Washington in Seattle from Aug. 3-8. Students will stay on campus in university dorms during the camp. All lodging and meals are covered by sponsors so there are no costs to the students.

The priority deadline to apply for both camps is March 31. The last chance to apply is April 11. Camps are limited to 20 students. To be considered, applicants must be entering 10th, 11th or 12th grade at a Washington state school for the fall 2025 semester. Students must be able to attend the entire session. You don't need previous experience in engineering or transportation – but curiosity is a must!

To learn more about these programs and to apply, visit this link for the camp website.

Washington State University camp touring the port

Both camps offer students the chance to:

• Take field trips with professionals. Visit transportation facilities like a transportation management center to learn about their inner workings.
• Showcase knowledge ingroup projects.
• Make new friends and experience life on a college campus.
• Explore the potential for a future career in transportation—whether it's in engineering, planning, or beyond.

This could be the start of a career in transportation, engineering, planning or a whole host of other fields. But even if it's not, participants will have a better understanding of how we all get where we're going. They’ll understand how the things we buy and need get to store shelves or our homes – and what goes into making those trips as safe and smooth as possible. And some pretty good stories to share with friends and family about the unique experience you had over the summer.

We hope to see you there!

No quick fix: plan for extended closure on SR 971 Southlake Shore Rd

UPDATE April 8, 2025:

The emergency contractor, Access Limited, started work on Monday to reopen SR 971 South Lakeshore Road, which has been closed due to rockslide since March 3. The contractor is working 6 days a week behind the closure points to expedite the project.

A significant amount of the work will be scaling and installing anchors at two identified locations on the slope at milepost 10.7 and 11.1. To complete the work safely and efficiently, the road will remain closed to traffic until rock slope repairs are completed. The project is expected to take 3-4 weeks, depending on conditions.

An extra tall boom lift allows the contractor to access otherwise out of reach areas of the rock slope for hand scaling and installing anchors

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UPDATE March 28, 2025:

Where we are at:

• We are finalizing the contract documents with our contractor, Access Limited, to clear the rockslide on SR 971 South Lakeshore Road and perform some scaling to the rock slope at two specific locations. Rock dowels will also be installed to further stabilize the slope.
• The available funding will only cover clearing the slide and a small amount of strategic rock slope repair. This is not a wholistic mitigation for the entire ¾ mile of exposed rock slope on this section of roadway. The work will clear debris and remove some specifically identified overhanging rock. Our maintenance crew reestablish catchment areas and ditch lines.
• Once the contract is finalized (likely mid-week next week), the contractor plans to work 6 days/week behind the closure points. Depending on the size of the rocks in the debris pile and weather conditions, it’s estimated the work will take about 3 weeks.
• Spring conditions mean rock fall may still occur in this area. Our maintenance team patrols this area daily to check on conditions. Travelers should never get out of their car to remove rock from the road, instead find a safe location to call 911 and report so crews can clear it.

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ORIGINAL Posted March 13, 2025:

Before sunrise on Monday, March 3, a rockslide closed SR 971 near milepost 11. This is a spot known for rock fall. By full daylight, it was clear that this slide was a bigger problem than the usual couple of rocks. Then late Monday night, a second slide came down and covered both lanes of the highway again.

A slide at milepost 10.7 overflowed the catchment basins and crossed both lanes of the road on Monday, March 3.

The slide also exposed several large boulders approximately 50-60 ft. above the road. We estimate there’s about 1200-1400 yard of material in the slide. Some of the rocks that came down are too big to haul away without breaking down. Throughout last week, rocks continued to fall, and the slope continued to have active rockfall.

Last week, our geotechnical team met on site with region crews to assess the scene. They met again on Wednesday, March 12 to talk through possible fixes for this location.

It’s not just the current pile of rocks that need to be cleared. This section of road has a history of rock fall, and the current slide location is adjacent to other known areas of frequent rock fall.

Drone pic of the slide area on South Lakeshore Road. The slide is estimated to be 1200-1400 cubic yards of material.

Where we are at?

The team must first consider the safety of reopening the road. During the onsite review, large overhanging rocks were identified still on the slope above the slide. These will need to be removed by scaling. That means having a skilled contractor remove them by hand.

In addition to that, we are heading into spring season. Spring is a time of year when rockslides often increase due to wet and thawing conditions. This means the potential for additional rock fall at and around this location. Spring also brings increased travelers to the Chelan Valley and the Lake Chelan State Park.

What is a fix when it comes to a rock slope?

Repairing the entire section to significantly reduce the risk of rockfall is estimated to cost in the millions of dollars. A project of that scope is not currently funded. Even if we don’t do the full mitigation, any work beyond just a cleanup is likely to be expensive and will mean shifting funds from other priorities.

The team is talking through the pros and cons and reviewing feasible funding strategies.

When will the road open?

We recognize that this detour adds miles to commutes and school bus trips. We’ve discussed the possibility of blocking off the hillside lane and using an automated signal to move travelers through the area one direction at a time. The concern is the continued potential for additional large rocks falling from high up the slope and the barriers being unable to contain them. This would put anyone traveling through that lane at risk.

While South Lakeshore Road is closed, travelers must detour in SR 971 Navarre Coulee Road to the junction of US 97A.

Any fix is dependent on contractor and funding availability. Plan that the road will remain closed, probably for several more weeks. We will post updates as soon as possible, including on our social platforms and the real time travel map.

Search underway for missing plane near Ellensburg

Update: 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2025

The search for a missing plane and pilot ended on Wednesday, March 5, when air search and rescue crews located the crash site near Whiskey Dick Mountain, east of Ellensburg. Tragically the pilot and sole occupant was found deceased. While the crash site was located quickly, this was a heartbreaking discovery for everyone involved. This concludes our agency's involvement in the mission. Further information will be released by the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office. Media questions about any investigation of cause can be directed to the National Transportation Safety Board. More details are available online.

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We are currently searching for a small plane in the hills near Ellensburg.

Our Air Search and Rescue Team was notified Tuesday night of a missing a red, white and blue Cessna 150 enroute to the Lake Chelan Airport. The plane departed from the Yakima Air Terminal/McAllister Field at 3:43 p.m. Tuesday. A family member reported it missing when the plane did not arrive.

We were notified of the missing plane by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center via the Washington State Emergency Operations Center. Search efforts began immediately. A U.S. Army helicopter from the Yakima Training Center has been requested to assist in aerial search efforts. Chelan County Sheriff's Office and Life Flight Air Ambulance are conducting additional aerial search flights today as well. Additional search resources from the Chelan, Grant and Douglas County Sheriff's Offices are actively assisting.

The Civil Air Patrol National Radar Forensics Team provided radar data for the missing plane. The data revealed the plane's northward path toward Ellensburg, followed by a northeastern trajectory. The last recorded radar track indicated the plane's location in the hills between Ellensburg and the Columbia River before the signal was lost. Ground and air search teams deployed throughout the night, focusing on the area where the plane's last radar signal was detected.

Crews are taking advantage of daylight hours to continue search operations. Anyone who thinks they saw or heard the plane Tuesday or spotted anything in the area should call the State Emergency Operations Center at 800-258-5990 with details. Currently, search officials do not need volunteers to conduct air or land searches.

Updates on the search will be posted on the this blog. Email updates from us are also available online by signing up and selecting the emergency news "air search and rescue" option. Barring new developments – which would also be announced on this blog – the next update is planned for 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 5.

WSDOT, by statute (RCW 47.68.380) is charged with the coordination and management of aerial search and rescue within the state. The agency works in conjunction with volunteer search and rescue groups, law enforcement and other agencies, such as the U.S. Navy, in carrying out such searches.

Invasive Species Awareness Week: A spotlight on transportation and our roadsides

By: Tina Werner

You may be wondering what WSDOT has to do with invasive species, and the answer may surprise you. Invasive plants hitchhike on vehicles and spread along our highways. They can affect everything from farming to recreation. Some of them are even very flammable, which can be a wildfire risk.

Governor Ferguson proclaimed February 24-28, 2025, as Invasive Species Awareness Week in Washington.

Our state highways and byways play a role in the spread of invasive species. There are over 100,000 acres of state roadside across Washington. These corridors unintentionally serve as pathways for travelers that we don’t want. Plants, animals and insects can spread from the roads and rails to public and private lands. We play a key role in protecting natural resources from invasive species. Here’s how it happens:

1. Invasive Plants: Weeds and other invasive plants often hitch a ride on vehicles from other states. Once they take root along our roadsides, their seeds can blow into nearby lands - both public and private. These non-native plants are a threat to agriculture and recreational areas. Some of them are very flammable and can add to the risk of roadside wildfires.
2. Aquatic Invasives: You might not think of freshwater mussels cruising down the highway. But non-native species from the water can travel on boats moving along our highways. From there, they can infest our lakes and rivers. These species can affect hydroelectric power, irrigation for farmland, fishing and salmon habitats. We partner with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to address this. Boaters must stop at checkpoints for inspection.
3. Invasive Insects: Insects like the Spotted Lanternfly and the Emerald Ash Borer also hitchhike across the country. These insects can devastate native trees. They also create physical hazards on our highways when weakened trees fall onto the roads.

We need your cooperation to manage and prevent the spread of invasive species. Stop at checkpoints. Clean your vehicles. Report invasive species if you see them. We can all contribute to saving our state’s natural resources.

Highway corridors act as wind tunnels. This is a section of I-90 near Spokane. You can see the Rush Skeletonweed . This plant’s seeds blow along our highways and then out into the surrounding land.

This roadside fire started along the frontage road next to US 12 near Wallula. The low growing blond colored grass shown in the foreground is Cheatgrass and was the source of ignition.

The challenge with weed control

Our challenge is to prevent weeds on our roadsides. In cases where the weeds are already there, we aim to control their spread. Our maintenance team has certified and trained experts on staff who monitor and treat them throughout the state. Still, these efforts only skim the surface. We know that the weeds are gaining on us every year.

Addressing the roots – a possible solution

We have one of the most advanced management systems in the country for this work. Our maintenance crews use high-tech location and mapping solutions to track invasive species. However, our maintenance program has been underfunded for decades. We have to prioritize life-safety tasks like guardrail repairs or bridge deck work with our limited maintenance resources. We also apply for research grants and other special funding to supplement our limited funding.

The proof is in the pudding

We want the roadside to have plants growing that are the same as the surrounding areas. Where possible, this includes plants that are loved by pollinators. Once native vegetation is well-established, weeds have less chance to take root.

Still skeptical if this even works? If you are out traveling our state, keep an eye out for a couple of our more recent projects.

• Pollinator Habitat and Carbon Sequestration at the Scatter Creek Rest Area: If you're traveling northbound on I-5 in Thurston County, you’ll pass by meadow test plots that were completed in fall 2024. These plots help create habitats that are friendly to pollinators. They also help remove carbon from the air by holding it in trees and soils. It’s a great example of how we are working to support environmental sustainability.

Part of the team helping with prairie meadow plantings at the northbound I-5 Scatter Creek rest area. Over 500 native oak trees were planted during this effort.

Drone technology captures pollinator meadow test plots installed at the northbound I-5 Scatter Creek Rest Area in 2024. Plants are expected to emerge in spring of 2025.

• Non-Native Annual Grass Control for Fire Prevention in Central Washington: If you're driving through Eastern Washington, you may notice areas where there’s less cheatgrass. Specifically, on I-90 between Ellensburg and Vantage, or I-82 between Ellensburg and Selah. The technical name for this flammable invasive grass is Downy Brome. We treated the roadside in fall 2024. We used a new type of herbicide that is only active in the soil. It targets invasive species without harming native bunch grasses and shrubs. Not only are those native plants an important part of the ecosystem, they are also less flammable. The herbicide suppresses annual weeds and grasses for up to four years, allowing them to succeed potentially in a drought. That means that even once the herbicide’s effects wear off, the Downy Brome is less likely to gain a foothold. Working together, all of these things contribute to healthier, more resilient landscapes.

A map of the roadside sections in Central Washington treated in fall 2024 for suppression of flammable non-native annual grass and weeds.

More information about how we maintain vegetation along state highways is available online, including how we protect pollinators.