Spokane, August 14, 2025
News Summary
A labor strike in Eastern Washington has disrupted multiple major construction projects in the Spokane area, leading to significant delays and uncertainties regarding the paving season. Contractors for the Washington State Department of Transportation are on strike, causing interruptions in key projects, including the North Spokane Corridor and the Greene Street Bridge Project. The ongoing strike, coupled with the impending closure of asphalt plants at the end of October, raises concerns that some projects may not be completed this season.
Labor strike halts multiple Spokane-area construction projects, causing delays and disruptions
A labor strike in Eastern Washington has stopped work on several major construction projects in the Spokane region, creating traffic delays, project slowdowns and uncertainty about paving this season. The work stoppage affects state and local projects, including a major freeway corridor and a bridge project, and could shorten the remaining paving window for the year.
What stopped and who is involved
Contractors working on projects for the Washington State Department of Transportation are affected by the walkout. The strike was confirmed by a contractors’ association. The dispute is between contractors and workers represented by an operating engineers’ union local. Both the union local and the contractors’ association have declined to comment for legal reasons.
Immediate effects on Spokane-area projects
The stoppage has interrupted paving and other roadway work across the region. Several grind-and-overlay and pavement projects are disrupted because of vendor and staffing challenges, and crews have paused work on large projects including the North Spokane Corridor and the Greene Street Bridge Project.
- City grind-and-overlay locations disrupted include Maple and Ash streets between Fifth and the bridge, North Foothills Drive between Hamilton and Hogan, Maxwell Avenue between Maple and Ash, Pettit Drive, and Lincoln Street between Summit Parkway and Sinto Avenue.
- A water main project near Francis and Assembly Road in Northwest Spokane is also affected.
- Additional halted paving projects are reported along U.S. Highway 195 between Babbit Road and State Route 27 near Pullman, and another stretch from Hafer Road into Chewelah.
Traffic and detours
Greene Street is closed between Mission Avenue and Illinois Avenue. Northbound drivers on Freya Street should expect about an eight-minute delay with the recommended detour sending traffic to Hamilton Street and then back to Market Street. The public works department intends to adjust lane closures and schedules as needed and will post updates through city communication channels.
Why the timing makes this worse
Asphalt production plants are scheduled to shut down on October 31, which reduces the time available this year for paving work. That shutdown, together with the strike, raises the risk that some projects will miss their paving windows and be carried into next year. The city says it has not actively sought alternative asphalt suppliers yet but believes other local providers may exist.
Wider regional impacts
Countywide work in Spokane County could also be affected, including work on Country Homes Boulevard, Wall Street and the second phase of North Hatch Road. The Idaho Transportation Department is reviewing potential impacts to North Idaho projects that need operator work, such as interchanges and expansions on I-90.
City staffing and scheduling concerns
Low staffing levels within city crews may lead to delays in at least three more arterial grind-and-overlay projects this construction season. The public works department plans to shift schedules and closures as needed and to keep residents informed through media releases and social channels.
Local businesses and community effects
Local businesses near work zones have reported mixed impacts. Some store owners say construction delays have hurt customer access, while others note that work-related closures are part of ongoing improvement efforts. Community opinion remains divided over the timing and pace of construction work.
Next steps and outlook
With asphalt plants set to close at the end of October and the strike underway, project managers face limited options to complete work on schedule. Agencies in the region are monitoring conditions, evaluating alternate plans where possible, and preparing to communicate schedule changes to drivers and residents. Additional sites could be added to the list of affected projects as the labor action continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What projects are directly affected?
Multiple city and state projects are affected, including the North Spokane Corridor, Greene Street Bridge Project, several grind-and-overlay streets in Spokane, a water main project in Northwest Spokane, and paving stretches near Pullman and Chewelah.
Who is on strike?
The strike is between contractors and workers represented by an operating engineers’ union local. A contractors’ trade association confirmed the strike. Both parties have declined to provide public comments.
How will traffic be affected?
Expect detours and delays where work is paused. One example is an estimated eight-minute delay for northbound drivers on Freya Street due to Greene Street closures and the detour via Hamilton and Market streets.
Will paving still be finished this year?
Asphalt plant closures on October 31 shorten the paving season. The strike may cause some projects to miss their paving windows and be postponed to next year unless alternative arrangements are made.
Is the city looking for other asphalt suppliers?
City officials say they have not yet sought alternative suppliers but believe there may be other local providers. Agencies are assessing options as the situation evolves.
How will I get updates?
The public works department plans to share schedule and closure updates through official city channels, including media releases and social media.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Strike status | Active labor strike affecting contractors and operator union local |
| Major projects impacted | North Spokane Corridor, Greene Street Bridge Project, multiple city grind-and-overlay streets |
| Asphalt shutdown date | October 31 — reduces paving window |
| Traffic delay example | About eight minutes northbound on Freya Street due to Greene Street closure |
| Local effects | Business access issues and mixed community opinion |
| Agency response | Adjust schedules and closures as needed; provide public updates |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Construction IL Resources
Additional Resources
- KXLY: Spokane construction projects grind to a halt amid union strike
- Spokesman: Labor strike causes construction delay on north Spokane projects
- KREM: Local union strike halts WSDOT projects
- KHQ: North Spokane corridor project halted due to union strike
- Tri-City Herald: Business impact from Spokane union strike
- Wikipedia: Labor Strike
- Google Search: construction labor strike
- Google Scholar: impact of labor strikes on construction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: labor strikes
- Google News: Spokane construction union strike
