News Summary
Construction in the Spokane region is facing significant delays due to a labor strike led by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302. The strike is affecting multiple projects, particularly those dependent on asphalt supplies, which are crucial for various infrastructure initiatives. Projects across both the public and private sectors have been suspended as negotiations remain unresolved, leaving many community members concerned about the ongoing impacts on traffic and construction progress.
Labor Strike Disrupts Construction Projects Across Spokane Region
Spokane, WA — Construction activity throughout the Spokane region has come to a halt due to a labor strike led by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302. The strike, which is currently impacting multiple projects, has created significant delays and shortages in construction materials, particularly asphalt, crucial for various infrastructure initiatives.
Start of Strike and Immediate Effects
The strike began when union members staged picket lines outside Shamrock Paving Company in Airway Heights. However, details regarding the reasons for the strike and negotiations between workers and contractors remain undisclosed. The strike has affected asphalt supplies, leading to project suspensions across both public and private sectors.
Projects Affected in Spokane and Surrounding Areas
In Spokane, several projects are currently on hold or delayed due to asphalt shortages and related issues. Notably, the ongoing street maintenance project on North Foothills Drive, between Hamilton Street and Hogan Street, has been temporarily stopped. Contractors have encountered difficulties sourcing the necessary asphalt, impeding work on grind and overlay street repairs.
Additionally, there are plans to postpone multiple projects scheduled for the 2025 season. These include improvements on several key streets: Boone Avenue (from Monroe Street to Washington Street), Napa Street (from Trent Avenue to Mission Avenue), Cozza Drive (from Standard Street to Nevada Street), and Qualchan Drive (from Cheney-Spokane Road to U.S. Highway 195). These projects may be delayed until 2026 if the strike persists into the new year.
Other Construction Project Disruptions
Several other projects have been affected due to issues with asphalt vendors stemming from the strike, including street refurbishments on Maple and Ash Streets, between Fifth and Bridge, as well as along Lincoln Street, from Summit Parkway to Sinto Avenue. The curb-and-roadwork project on Maxwell Avenue, between Maple and Ash and Pettit Drive, has also been paused.
A contracted grind and overlay project involving Sprague Avenue, Alki Avenue, and Broadway Avenue—between Freya Street and Havana Street—has been temporarily halted due to asphalt shortages. In addition, the water main project near Francis and Assembly in northwest Spokane has been put on hold as a consequence of supply chain disruptions caused by the strike.
State and Regional Impacts
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) confirmed that three major state projects have been halted because of the strike. These include the North Spokane Corridor (Spokane River Crossing Project) and paving work on U.S. Highway 195 near Pullman, as well as U.S. Highway 395 from Hafer Road to Chewelah.
Spokane County has indicated that if the strike extends beyond two weeks, additional delays will likely occur for projects on Country Homes Blvd., Wall Street, and North Hatch Road.
In neighboring Idaho, the Idaho Transportation Department is monitoring the situation to assess how the strike might impact ongoing projects, including the I-90 expansion and the SH-53 Pleasant View Interchange. The department states that the specific scope and timing of potential impacts remain uncertain while they evaluate contractor schedules.
Community Response and Future Outlook
Local residents and community stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions regarding the ongoing strike’s impact on traffic flow and construction progress. City officials and contractors continue to monitor the situation, hoping for a swift resolution that can mitigate further delays.
As negotiations remain unresolved, project timelines across Spokane and neighboring regions are uncertain, with many dependent on the duration of the labor dispute and supply chain recovery.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Heavy Equipment Operators Strike Halts Construction Projects
Additional Resources
- Spokesman: Labor Strike Continues to Halt Construction
- Wikipedia: Labor Strike
- KHQ: Spokane and Idaho Road Projects Halted
- Google Search: Spokane construction delays labor strike
- KREM: Local Union 302 Strike Halts Projects
- Google Scholar: Construction Labor Strikes
- Tri-City Herald: Business News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
- KXLY: Spokane Construction Projects Halt
- Google News: Spokane Labor Strike
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