Worker Strike Halts Road Projects in Washington and Idaho

Road construction projects in eastern Washington and northern Idaho have halted due to a strike by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302.

The union includes heavy equipment operators who use excavators, cranes, bulldozers and other construction gear. Union representatives declined to comment on the record, but workers have said online that the dispute stems from pay issues.

“Local 302 Eastern Washington is on strike,” a member said on the union’s Facebook page. “Hope negotiations can progress so guys can get back to work for fair wages.”

Construction is paused on the North Spokane Corridor river crossing, as well as paving projects on U.S. Highways 195 and Highway 395. The northbound lanes and one southbound lane of the Greene Street Bridge are closed indefinitely due to holes needing repair.

Other projects in the city of Spokane and Spokane County are also affected. This includes work on Country Homes Boulevard, Wall Street and North Hatch Road.

“We are monitoring the situation and assessing current projects,” Spokane Public Works said in a statement. “The industry strike is impacting the availability of asphalt, which in turn affects grind and overlay projects performed by the City’s Street Department, as well as other projects that will soon be ready for laying asphalt.”

Washington’s Highway 240 widening project has also been delayed. In North Idaho, work along the Interstate 90 corridor will likely be affected.

“Projects that involve operator work — such as the SH-53 Pleasant View Interchange, I-90/SH-41 Interchange, I-90 expansion project, and the I-90 Coeur d’Alene River Bridges — are most likely to experience delays if the work stoppage continues,” the Idaho Department of Transportation said in a statement.

Sources: KHQ, KXLY, Tri-City Herald, KREM