Spokane Construction Projects Disrupted by Labor Strike

Categories: National Construction NewsNews

Construction activities on hold in Spokane amid labor strike.

News Summary

A labor strike initiated by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 is causing significant disruptions to construction projects in Spokane. Union members are picketing, which has halted asphalt delivery crucial for ongoing and planned projects, including pavement maintenance and various road works. The strike’s impact extends beyond local projects, affecting state infrastructure improvements as well. Residents express concerns about the potential delays and traffic disruptions. The future of ongoing construction and project timelines remains uncertain as the strike continues.

Spokane is experiencing significant disruptions to construction projects due to a labor strike initiated by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302. Union members are currently picketing outside Shamrock Paving Company in Airway Heights, impacting asphalt availability essential for ongoing and planned construction projects in the region.

The halt in asphalt delivery has put numerous initiatives on hold, including critical grind and overlay street maintenance on North Foothills Drive, which runs between Hamilton Street and Hogan Street. Additional projects that may face delays include major work scheduled for the 2025 season, specifically:

Boone Avenue between Monroe Street and Washington Street
Napa Street between Trent Avenue and Mission Avenue
Cozza Drive between Standard Street and Nevada Street
Qualchan Drive between Cheney-Spokane Road and U.S. Highway 195

In total, at least three significant paving projects have been delayed due to issues related to asphalt vendors. These include:

Maple and Ash Streets between Fifth and Bridge
Lincoln Street between Summit Parkway and Sinto Avenue
Maxwell Avenue between Maple and Ash and Pettit Drive

A contracted grind and overlay project involving Sprague Avenue, Alki Avenue, and Broadway Avenue between Freya Street and Havana Street has also been paused. Additionally, the strike has resulted in the suspension of a water main project in Northwest Spokane near the intersection of Francis and Assembly.

While the precise reasons behind the strike remain unclear, Spokane Public Works has raised concerns about the potential for a backlog of private businesses competing for limited asphalt supplies even if the strike concludes swiftly. This situation could further delay many essential construction projects in the area.

The impact of the strike extends beyond Spokane city limits. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has confirmed that three state projects have been halted, including:

North Spokane Corridor (Spokane River Crossing Project)
Paving projects on U.S. Highway 195 near Pullman
Paving projects on U.S. Highway 395 from Hafer Road to Chewelah

Looking ahead, Spokane County officials have noted that if the strike persists beyond two weeks, additional construction efforts involving Country Homes Boulevard, Wall Street, and North Hatch Road could also face significant delays. Meanwhile, the Idaho Transportation Department is closely monitoring the situation to assess any potential impacts on projects in North Idaho, such as expansion initiatives on I-90 and the SH-53 Pleasant View Interchange. The department has stated that the exact effects and duration of delays remain uncertain as they evaluate contractor schedules.

Community reaction to the strike has been mixed. Residents express varying concerns regarding traffic disruptions and delays in construction projects that are essential to local infrastructure. As the situation develops, both ongoing construction schedules and timelines for future projects remain in flux, pending the resolution of the labor strike affecting asphalt production.

In conclusion, the ongoing labor strike in Spokane is not only halting local projects but also creating ripples across state lines, affecting timelines and plans for infrastructure improvements. Continued monitoring of the situation, coupled with the uncertain future of negotiations between contractors and workers, will dictate the landscape of construction in the Spokane region.