r/u_wsdot

The maps start coming and they don’t stop coming. So much to do, so much to see, so perhaps consider taking the backstreets? Or whatever Smash Mouth said.

 It’s WSU Pullman’s Move-In weekend for the Cougs and its Bass Canyon weekend for the ravers. We’ve got some road work y’all should know about. The I-90 Vantage Bridge is still reduced one lane in both directions, so leave early, consider alternate routes and expect delays. To the Cougs, safe travels to Pullman! To the rave babies, safe travels to the Gorge!

 Westsiders! We’ve got a busy weekend of sports, fairs, concerts and closures up ahead. Whether you’re headed into town, out of town, or just attempting to get around town, here are a few things to know: 

- We’ve got the ongoing Revive I-5 work over the Ship Canal Bridge. The express lanes are northbound 24/7.

- NB SR 99 will CLOSE at the 1st Ave S Bridge from 5a Sat. to 11:59p Sun. for bridge and structure preservation. During this closure you will not be able to access E Marginal Way or Michigan St. from the bridge or continue NB on SR 99.

- The SR 99 tunnel will also CLOSE in both directions in Seattle from 10p Fri. to 6a Sat. for tunnel maintenance.

- NE 85th St and I-405 ramps will close between 6th St and 124th Ave NE from 10p Fri. to 5a Mon. to grade pavement and install curbs. Ramp closure details:the NB & SB I-405 on- and off-ramps at Exit 18 will close. 

Ferry riders, you’re part of the busy weekend too! Expect more travelers on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route as people head to and from the San Juan County Fair through Aug. 16. Plan for delays and long lines, especially for interisland travel.

Then, starting at 6a Mon, Aug. 17, SR 20 near Campbell Lake Road will be reduced to one lane of alternating traffic 24/7 thru Sept. 4 while crews prepare for a new roundabout. The work is on a key route between Anacortes and Whidbey Island, so ferry travelers should plan for additional travel time.

So before you get your game on and go play, check the real-time travel map, give yourself extra time and make a plan. You’ll never know if you don’t go, but you’ll have a better idea of what you’re getting into if you check the map first.

SR 291 has REOPENED.

After more than a week of closures, SR 291 has fully reopened between Spokane and Suncrest. The highway had been closed between Assembly Street and 7 Mile Road, and between Rutter Parkway and Swenson Road due to the Spokane Complex Fires.

Before reopening, our crews worked with the Cal 7 fire incident management team to make sure the highway was safe for travel. Crews used a drone to survey slope stability and removed dozens of hazardous trees along the corridor. A huge thank you to everyone involved in making the reopening possible.

While reopening SR 291 is an important step, we know communities throughout the area continue to face the impacts of the Spokane Complex Fires as response efforts continue.

Fire response efforts continue in the area. Please allow extra travel time, watch for firefighters entering the highway from side roads and be cautious of reduced visibility.

Level 3 evacuations may still be in place along portions of SR 291. A reopened highway does not mean evacuation orders have been lifted. Please check Spokane County's evacuation information before traveling into affected areas and continue to follow directions from emergency personnel.

Conditions can change quickly as fire response continues. Check our real-time travel map for current conditions and stay alert while traveling through the area.

As communities across Central and Eastern Washington continue to face the impacts of these devastating wildfires, here are the latest updates on state highways affected by fire and smoke.

SR 155 IS OPEN AS OF 12 P.M. TODAY

After being closed for nearly three weeks due to the Kaiser Fire, SR 155 has reopened.

Fire crews remain active along SR 155, and an advisory speed limit of 45 mph is in effect through the 30-mile corridor. Please allow extra travel time, watch for firefighters and emergency vehicles entering the highway from side roads and be prepared for reduced visibility.

Thank you to our crews, incident management teams and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation for helping safely reopen SR 155. Dozens of burned trees were removed, and guardrail repairs will continue. For current Kaiser Fire and evacuation information visit Colville Tribal Broadcasts, News and Information. Please follow emergency responder directions.

US 97 BLEWETT PASS IS OPEN

US 97 Blewett Pass reopened Monday, Aug. 3, after being temporarily closing due to wildfire conditions.

Fire crews remain active in the area, so motorists may encounter fire equipment and emergency vehicles. No current delays, but conditions can change quickly. Please use caution and stay alert.

SR 291 STILL CLOSED

SR 291 remains closed in multiple locations due to the Spokane Complex Fire, including between Assembly Street and Seven Mile Road, and between Rutter Parkway near Little Spokane River and Suncrest. Swenson Road also remains closed at SR 291 in Suncrest. Please use safe alternate routes, yield to emergency vehicles and expect delays.

Hot, dry conditions continue across the state and stronger winds today and tomorrow could increase fire risk. Our crews are monitoring forecasts and conditions. Even on reopened highways, fire crews remain active and conditions can change quickly. Do not drive past closure points. They are in place to protect travelers, firefighters and emergency responders – and we don’t want them pulled away from active fire response. Prepare for poor air quality that can reduce visibility and be extra vigilant for wildlife on or near the road. Check road conditions before you travel and always follow emergency responder directions.