WSDOT Kicks Off Summer with Viral Announcement for 117 Road Projects

With summer heating up across the country, construction season is now in full swing — and Washington State isn’t wasting any time warning travelers of what’s ahead. But instead of the typical press release or traffic advisory, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) went viral with what some are calling the wildest possible way to announce a statewide construction blitz.

In a social media video that blends comedy, pop culture references, and an avalanche of orange cones, WSDOT dropped the news that 117 major projects will roll out across thousands of miles of state highways and interstates this summer — and that’s not even counting emergency repairs, routine maintenance, or projects being managed by city and county governments.

Whether you're headed to a Mariners game, a music festival, or just venturing across the state for a weekend trip, you’re almost certain to run into orange barrels and hard hats. And WSDOT isn’t sugarcoating it.

“There’s only 14 days between now and September 30 where there isn’t a major event happening in Washington,” WSDOT said, adding, “So if you ever find yourself wondering ‘why did they choose to do this work on the day of this major event,’ it’s likely because they had no other choice.”

That’s right — only two weeks all summer without a major event somewhere in the state. And with the Northwest’s famously wet climate, WSDOT doesn’t have the luxury of scheduling these massive projects year-round.

“Any construction has to be done during the warm and dry months as concrete can’t cure in the rain,” WSDOT explained.

That means the time window is tight — and so is the traffic. Drivers should expect congestion, delays, and detours on major routes, particularly in and around metro hubs like Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and Olympia.

The video campaign — which has been widely shared on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) — blends self-aware humor with logistical facts, aiming to make Washington residents more understanding (and maybe even amused) about the seasonal disruption ahead.

In addition to planned repaving, bridge work, lane expansions, and highway realignments, WSDOT crews will also be on alert for emergency repairs, including wildfire-related damage, rockslides, or weather-induced road failures — all of which become more common during dry summers in mountainous terrain.

The agency strongly encourages residents and visitors to plan ahead, use traffic apps, and, when possible, opt for public transportation, biking, or rail alternatives.

“Consider taking bikes, buses, trains, and light rail instead,” WSDOT advised, adding that making even small changes to how you travel can help reduce regional congestion during peak summer weekends.

Despite the inevitable traffic headaches, state officials say the work is critical to keeping Washington’s infrastructure safe, functional, and able to accommodate a rapidly growing population.

More on What’s Coming

Some of the largest projects planned for summer 2025 include:

• I-5 pavement and bridge upgrades near downtown Seattle and Tacoma
• Highway 2 safety improvements in Stevens and Chelan counties
• I-90 Snoqualmie Pass corridor work involving avalanche and drainage systems
• Expansion of bike lanes and pedestrian access in King and Pierce counties
• Bridge preservation projects in rural areas needing structural upgrades

For more information and real-time project updates, drivers can visit wsdot.wa.gov or follow the agency on social media.

Originally reported by Nolan Deck in Un Official Networks.