Update on Phase IIA Water Project Traffic Impacts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 27, 2026
City of White Salmon Provides Update on Phase IIA Water Project Traffic Impacts

The City of White Salmon is aware of and shares the community’s frustration following significant traffic delays along SR 141 this week related to the Phase IIA Water Transmission Main Project.

On March 25, construction activity did not meet permitted traffic control requirements, resulting in delays that exceeded acceptable limits. In response, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) temporarily halted work while the situation was addressed.

City staff, the project contractor, and WSDOT met immediately to review the issue and implement corrective actions to better manage traffic and reduce impacts moving forward.

Construction is expected to resume on Monday, March 30, with the following updated measures in place:

• Traffic delays will be limited to a maximum of 15 minutes
• School buses and emergency vehicles will be prioritized to ensure minimal disruption
• Work hours will shift to an earlier daily schedule to restore normal traffic flow by late afternoon

These changes are designed to improve consistency and reduce the extended delays experienced earlier this week, though they may slightly extend the duration of this phase of construction.

Looking ahead, the City anticipates a full roadway closure and detour along SR 141 (via SR 141 Alternate) beginning as early as the week of April 20, pending final approval from WSDOT. While detours can be an inconvenience, this approach is expected to provide more predictable travel times than escorted pilot detours during that phase of work.

The City is actively monitoring compliance with these updated requirements and coordinating closely with local partners, including the White Salmon Valley School District, to minimize impacts wherever possible.

We understand the disruption this project is causing and sincerely appreciate the community’s patience as we work to complete this critical infrastructure improvement. This project will strengthen the reliability and resilience of White Salmon’s water system for years to come.

Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the City of White Salmon Public Works Department.

If you have any questions or concerns about the project, please feel free to contact Chris True, Public Works Director for the City of White Salmon, at christ@whitesalmonwa.gov or (509) 493-1133, ext. 500. You may also contact Jay Peninger with Anderson Perry & Associates at jpeninger@andersonperry.com or (509) 529-9260.