NEWS
(OLYMPIA)– Spring is arriving in the Northwest, and with it comes Washington’s deadline to remove studded tires. Studded tires must be removed by the end of the day Monday, March 31 to avoid a potential fine of $137, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transportation. Automotive centers are expected to be busy the weekend before the deadline, so the WSDOT encourages travelers to plan ahead. Studded tires are legal in Washington from Nov. 1 to March 31. There is no individual exception or “out of state waiver” to the studded tire dates. Tickets could be issued by the (read more)
(OLYMPIA)– The Washington Department of Ecology fined plastic trash bag-maker Napco Bag and Film $30,000 for violating the annual registration and reporting requirements of a 2021 recycled content law. Napco’s penalty is based on its failure to register its products in 2024, failing to report its recycled content, and failing to pay administrative fees required by the law. The Texas-based company failed to register in spite of Ecology’s efforts to provide technical assistance before and after the April 1, 2024, registration deadline. The company has remained unresponsive to Ecology since it last registered with the agency in 2022, according to a news release from (read more)
(NORTH CASCADES)- Spring clearing of SR 20 North Cascades Highway begins Monday, March 17. The Washington State Department of Transporation says the crew is planning to start eastside clearing on SR 20 at Silver Star (milepost 171) Monday, March 17. According to a news release from the WSDOT, there is some snow forecast for this weekend, but not enough is forecasted to change the plan for a Monday start. Since the clearing work is dependent on conditions, at this point the WSDOT doesn’t have any kind of estimate on the reopening schedule except the reminder that this work typically takes 6 weeks. If you (read more)
(OLYMPIA)– A new interactive online tool helps partners and organizations across the state plan for more electric vehicle chargers, making it easier to expand charging access as more drivers make the switch to electric. The Electric Vehicle Mapping and Planning Tool, created by the Washington State Department of Transportation in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce, is an interactive map with access to more than 100 public data sets. It helps policymakers, planners and partners make informed decisions about where to add charging stations as the state moves toward a zero-emission future, according to a news release from the (read more)
(OLYMPIA)– The Washington State Transportation Commission will begin discussions at its March meeting on possible ferry fare changes later this year, pending legislative budget decisions expected by the end of April. Preparations will also advance around toll setting for three central Puget Sound toll facilities, including the Gateway project in King and Pierce counties set to begin opening in phases later this year, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transporation. The public is invited to attend the virtual meeting, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, and 9 a.m. to 12 (read more)