Washington State

WSDOT has 150-plus construction projects this year. What to know for summer travel

The city of Richland advises motorists to avoid the George Washington Way/Columbia Point South area while the intersection is upgraded.
The city of Richland advises motorists to avoid the George Washington Way/Columbia Point South area while the intersection is upgraded. Special to the Herald

In Washington state, summer means roadwork.

Communities across the Evergreen State have warm, dry summers — ideal conditions for road construction.

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, even road maintenance has to wait for warm weather.

Across the state, you’re likely to notice road closures and construction projects causing delays or longer travel times this summer.

Here’s what you need to know about summer construction projects in Washington state:

What are construction projects on Washington highways in summer 2026?

The Department of Transportation’s current construction plan includes more than 150 projects this year.

This doesn’t include city and county-level projects that may lead to additional closures.

If you think a construction project could interfere with your travel plans, check WSDOT’s real-time travel map.

Screenshot of the WSDOT Real-Time Travel Map taken on Friday, June 12. The map shows traffic alerts and closures across the state, and can be toggled to also display mountain pass reports, travel times, fires, rest areas and more.
Screenshot of the WSDOT Real-Time Travel Map taken on Friday, June 12. The map shows traffic alerts and closures across the state, and can be toggled to also display mountain pass reports, travel times, fires, rest areas and more.

Which WSDOT construction projects will most impact traffic?

Of the 150-plus construction projects scheduled to take place this summer, a few are particularly notable.

There are seven ongoing major construction projects on Washington highways and interstates:

Where can I find traffic updates?

The Washington State Department of Transportation continually provides updates on both statewide traffic impacts and regional road projects.

Additionally, the state transportation agency posts weekly “paint maps” showing popular events and busy areas to keep in mind.

You can follow the Washington State Department of Transportation on social media, check online or call to keep track of traffic delays and closures.

WSDOT

WSDOT Traffic: Traffic information for King and Snohomish counties. Monitored 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

WSDOT Tacoma: Traffic information for Pierce, Thurston, Kitsap, Jefferson, Mason, Grays, Harbor and Clallam counties. Monitored 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

WSDOT SW: Traffic information for Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Lewis, Pacific and Skamania counties. Monitored 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

WSDOT East: Traffic information east of the Cascade Mountains. Monitored 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

WSDOT North: Traffic information for Whatcom, Skagit and Island Counties. Monitored 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

SR 520: Traffic information and construction updates for State Route 520.

Snoqualmie Pass: Weather, travel and construction updates for Interstate 90 through Snoqualmie Pass.

Fleet Operations Roadside Assistance:

  • Available from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Roadside assistance number: 800-542-6840

To stay up-to-date on traffic conditions and construction updates, sign up for WSDOT’s email alerts on the department’s website.

While on the road, tune your vehicle’s radio to 530 AM and 1610 AM to receive highway advisory alerts. Take note of signs in your area that may recommend additional stations offering updates.

This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "WSDOT has 150-plus construction projects this year. What to know for summer travel."

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