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Tag: WSDOT

  • Bullfrog Road overpass repairs to bring nighttime I-90 closures in WA

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    CLE ELUM, Wash. – Westbound I-90 near Cle Elum will face periodic nighttime closures once crews begin replacing part of an overpass damaged by a semi-truck, officials said.

    damaged bridge photo

    The Bullfrog Road overpass was struck by an over-height semi on Tuesday night, Oct. 21. Contractor crews hired by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) worked for 22 hours straight to remove the damaged portion of the overpass and reopen westbound I-90.

    When will I-90 near Cle Elum close for Bullfrog Road overpass repairs?

    According to Gov. Bob Ferguson’s office, the westbound lanes will remain open until WSDOT replaces the overpass, which will require full closures on a limited basis. Officials said most of the work is expected to happen overnight, with daytime closures possible if necessary. 

    What they’re saying:

    “Thank you to the WSDOT crews and contractors who moved quickly to reopen westbound I-90,” Governor Ferguson said. “Our work to repair the damage is just beginning. The loss of this overpass severely impacts the Cle Elum, Roslyn and Suncadia areas. We will work as quickly as possible to replace this vital connection for the community.”

    How long will Bullfrog Road overpass repairs take?

    Timeline:

    An updated timeline for the repair is expected by December, according to Ferguson’s office. WSDOT engineers are designing the new section of the overpass and developing a plan to allow rapid construction.

    About 17,000 vehicles travel this section of I-90 each day, and about 1,500 cross the overpass daily. Travelers will learn more about potential impacts once design plans are finalized in December.

    truck hit overpass photo

    What to expect during I-90 overpass construction near Cle Elum?

    When construction begins, drivers can expect full closures on westbound I-90, with traffic detoured over the on- and off-ramps.

    How is WA paying for I-90 overpass repairs?

    Ferguson’s emergency proclamation allows the state to seek federal reimbursement for repair costs. The Federal Highway Administration is expected to continue supporting the project despite the ongoing federal government shutdown. 

    WSDOT also plans to seek reimbursement from the truck operator or other responsible parties. The Washington State Patrol stopped the driver, and its Commercial Vehicle Services Division is investigating.

    The Source: Information in this story comes from a press release by Governor Bob Ferguson’s Office.

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    Jim.Jensen@fox.com (Jim Jensen)

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  • WSDOT warns fall construction will cause traffic delays in western WA

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    SEATTLE – The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced another round of closures and construction projects in western Washington this weekend.

    In classic WSDOT meme-culture fashion, the agency cheerfully marked the end of summer construction season on social media – only to follow with a tongue-in-cheek announcement that fall roadwork will be in full swing this weekend.

    “The University of Washington Huskies will be facing off against the Ohio State University Buckeyes on Saturday, Sept. 27, but crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will also be putting on their game faces for region-wide closures beginning Friday, Sept. 26 and continuing through Monday, Sept. 29,” announced WSDOT in a press release.

    Keep reading for information on construction projects happening this weekend on I-5, I-405, I-90 and SR-18.

    WSDOT says that some of the work is weather-dependent, and if rain is in the forecast, crews may cancel closures a day or two in advance. Here’s a look at the seven-day forecast:

    Warm weather is on the way for Seattle this upcoming weekend. (FOX 13 Seattle)

    Southbound I-5 closed through Kent, WA

    Starting Friday, Sept. 26, at 11:59 p.m., southbound I-5 will be closed from SR-516/Kent Des Moines Road to South 272nd Street. Crews will be replacing 60 concrete panels and performing pavement repair work until Monday, Sept. 29 at 4 a.m.

    While I-5 is closed, the southbound SR-509 expressway will also close between 24th Avenue South and I-5.

    According to WSDOT, drivers can use SR-99 or Military Road South as a detour. Additionally, southbound SR-167 will remain open for traffic.

    Southbound I-405 closed through Renton, WA

    WSDOT says southbound I-405 will be closed from Northeast Sunset Boulevard to SR-167 starting Friday, Sept. 26 at 11:59 p.m. Crews will be installing drainage crossings, paving and shifting lanes until Monday, Sept 29 at 4 a.m.

    The work, which is part of the I-405/Renton to Bellevue Widening and Express Toll Lanes project, is weather dependent and may be rescheduled if rain is in the forecast.

    A signed detour will be in place, directing drivers to Northeast Sunset Boulevard.

    Lane reductions on westbound I-90 through Issaquah, WA

    Westbound I-90 will be reduced to one lane near Front Street starting Friday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. The Front Street on-ramp to westbound I-90 will also be closed during this time.

    WSDOT says crews will perform bridge repairs, and the closure is expected to last until Sunday, Sept. 28 at 8 a.m.

    The work, which is part of the I-90 westbound SR-900 to East Sunset Way Paving and Expansion Joint Replacement project, is weather dependent and may be rescheduled if rain is in the forecast.

    Lane reductions on Westbound SR-18 in Auburn, WA

    Beginning at 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, only one westbound lane of SR-18 will remain open until 1 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. During this time, the Auburn Way South on-ramp to westbound SR-18 will also be closed. 

    A signed detour will direct drivers to the Third Street Southwest on-ramp.

    From 2 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, to 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29, all westbound lanes of SR-18 will be closed. Traffic will be routed off at Auburn Way South where drivers can re-enter SR-18 via the on-ramp. WSDOT says police will be present, guiding traffic through the intersection.

    The closures will allow crews to replace bridge joints as part of the eastbound SR-18 C Street Southwest to Green River paving and joint replacement project. The work is also weather dependent and may be rescheduled.

    This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

    The Source: Information in this story comes from the Washington State Department of Transportation.

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    Jim.Jensen@fox.com (Jim Jensen)

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  • WSDOT Pilots New Wrong-Way Driving Alert System on SR-18

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    Pilot Project Aims to Reduce Crashes and Improve Safety


    ISSAQUAH, Wash., September 18, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The Washington State Department of Transportation is exploring new technology designed to prevent wrong-way drivers. A pilot project on four State Route 18 off-ramps in King County now includes “wrong way” signs with flashing lights, radar detection and cameras that can detect drivers entering a ramp in the wrong direction. This system is part of a larger statewide pilot project using multiple methods to reduce wrong-way driving.

    The four SR 18 off-ramps now feature upgraded solar-powered LED signs and radar-activated detection systems. At select locations, video analytics and dual camera systems further support real-time validation and alerts to WSDOT’s Northwest Region Transportation Management Center. The aim is simple but vital: prompt self-correction by the driver and swift action by emergency services if needed.

    The initiative is aligned with national roadway safety priorities and complements WSDOT’s broader efforts to modernize infrastructure using smart technology and clean power. The pilot integrates radar, solar flashing signs, and camera-enabled detection through solutions developed by Carmanah Technologies and distributed regionally by Western Systems. Together, they enable multiple “layers of safety” that escalate alerts as a wrong-way driver progresses from the ramp entrance to the highway merge zone.

    “We’re excited to see this project move forward with WSDOT. It’s a great example of how thoughtful infrastructure planning and technology can work together to reduce risks before they become emergencies,” said Jeremy Hancyk, Regional Sales Manager at Synapse ITS, representing Carmanah Technologies. “When we design systems that prompt drivers to self-correct and give agencies real-time awareness, we help make these high-speed, high-use transportation corridors safer for everyone.”

    Installation was completed in summer 2025, and the project team is now reviewing field performance data. “Wrong-way crashes don’t happen often, but when they do, the stakes are incredibly high,” said Kai Antrim, Sales Manager at Western Systems. “It’s rewarding to support a program focused on prevention, not just reaction – and one that’s grounded in Washington’s real-world needs.”

    While the system is operational and currently warning drivers in real time to correct wrong-way driving behavior, it is not yet fully commissioned. Once fully commissioned, the system will be capable of sending notifications to the TMC, alerting operators of wrong-way drivers. This will provide operators with better situational awareness and enable them to send timely messages to relevant agencies, such as incident response teams and the Washington State Patrol.

    This pilot is part of WSDOT’s ongoing commitment to reducing serious injuries and fatalities across the state. Insights gained from the pilot will inform future deployments and contribute to smarter safety strategies throughout Washington’s highway network.

    Related Video

    https://vimeo.com/1119612761

    Source: Western Systems

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  • Update: Lanes of northbound I-5 in Tacoma beginning to reopen after truck fire

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    Truck fire backs up northbound Interstate 5 in Tacoma on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025

    Update, 5:08 p.m.: All lanes are reopened, but the offramp to South 56th Street remains closed, WSDOT reported on X.

    Update, 4:59 p.m.: From WSDOT on X: “Two left lanes on NB I-5 at S 56th St. in Tacoma are now open. A tow has been called for the extinguished semi. It will take time to open more lanes and clear the scene. Expect continued slow going on NB I-5 approaching Tacoma.“

    Original post: Northbound Interstate 5 at South 56th Street in Tacoma is closed by a truck fire Monday afternoon.

    The incident began about 4:10 p.m., according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

    “All lanes of NB I-5 are blocked for a semi truck fire at S 56th St. in Tacoma. Use alternate routes while crews respond to the scene,” the agency reported on X about 4:24 p.m.

    Northbound traffic was backed up past Bridgeport Way at 4:45 p.m.,, and southbound traffic was dragging past the scene, according to the WSDOT Travel Center Map.

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