Expect some slowdowns if you're cruising through Grant County on I-90 come July, but it's for a good cause—the road that's weathered long journeys and years is set to receive a fresh coat of asphalt for smoother travels ahead. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced a paving project that will target the worn stretches of the highway starting July 21. According to WSDOT, the work is part of a broader effort to maintain the interstate and is set to conclude on Oct. 31, breaking until spring 2026.
During these changes, eastbound I-90 drivers will find themselves navigating single-lane traffic from Dodson Road to Mae Valley, specifically between mileposts 164-175, as crews lay down new pavement on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Not left untouched, both directions will see similar restrictions between Mae Valley and east of Moses Lake, from mileposts 175-181. Travelers are advised to anticipate delays and to plan their trips in accordance with WSDOT's project schedule.
The need for smooth and reliable infrastructure is as inevitable as the turning of seasons, and WSDOT has ensured that the paving is timed not to clash with the Vantage Bridge deck replacement project. The paving teams will take a winter hiatus before resuming their efforts in spring 2026 for the sections of I-90 between George and east of the Vantage Bridge, from mileposts 138-148. Their goal is to wrap up by fall 2026, setting the stage for uninterrupted travel in the years to follow.
For those hitting the road amid the construction, expect various lane and ramp closures, with a speed reduction from the standard 70 mph down to 55 mph. A further advisory speed limit of 40 mph will be enforced during active work hours. It's a small adjustment by the drivers, allowing the crews at WSDOT to secure the long-term efficiency and safety of this vital artery of transport. After Labor Day, WSDOT's schedule will shift to a Monday through Friday work week until the end of October. All these efforts promise a smoother ride on the horizon, albeit with a touch of present patience required.
