Construction projects in Spokane halted due to labor strike
Spokane, August 14, 2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The public works department plans to share schedule and closure updates through official city channels, including media releases and social media.
| 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 |
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