WSDOT staff shortage could mean longer closures, less plowing on Washington roads this winter

Ongoing staff shortages could make winter travel more challenging for Washington drivers this year.

Citing a shortage of workers, the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) warned drivers of reduced service on roadways this upcoming winter including longer closures, lower speed limits and less routine plowing.

Prior to the pandemic, WSDOT said that it filled 1,500 positions directly related to winter operations. This year that number is down to 1,200. The agency also reported losing 5.9% of its workforce after the state's vaccine mandate went into effect last month.

"We can't risk staff being injured or equipment being damaged by working crews beyond reasonable limits," wrote WSDOT in a blog post on Friday. "We simply can't ask these hard-working colleagues to do more with less."

Here's what WSDOT said drivers should expect this winter:

• Some roads and passes will be closed longer than normal during and after significant storms.
• Some roads will not get the same level or service, may be only plowed minimally or will have snow and ice on the roadway for longer periods of time. Some areas may not be staffed 24/7.
• Especially during large storms or long-lasting ones, we won't have a deep enough "bench" of staff to respond 24/7 for several days throughout the storm.
• Some lanes of the freeway system may have snow and ice while crews focus on keeping just one or two lanes open.
• Lower speed limits in areas with variable speed limits.
• There may be slower responses to crashes and other emergencies, and it may take longer to clear major crashes or slide-offs.
• Less attention to secondary routes and recreation areas as crews focus on higher priority roadways.

The department said it will prioritize work on pre-existing plowing priority maps based on volume. But with less service expected, the agency is asking drivers to monitor pass conditions and be prepared with the right emergency supplies like tire chains and jumper cables before heading out.

"One person driving too fast or not having the proper equipment can close a pass down for everyone," wrote WSDOT. "In fact, on Snoqualmie Pass most closures are due to crashes and spin outs, not avalanche control work to remove higher mountain snow."

Other transit services in the state are also struggling to maintain regular levels of service amid ongoing staffing shortages. Washington State Ferries (WSF) was forced to reduce service on several major routes due to a lack of trained crewmembers. The cuts are expected to be temporary as the agency is actively recruiting new employees, but no date for resuming normal service was given.

With winter around the corner, major roadways are gearing up for seasonal closures due to avalanche dangers. Washington's state Route 20 — also known as North Cascades Highway — is set to close for the season on Nov. 15. The seasonal closure stretches from milepost 134/Ross Dam Trailhead on the west side and milepost 171/Silver Star Gate on the east.