Construction activities on hold in Spokane amid labor strike.
A labor strike by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 in Spokane is halting numerous construction projects, mainly due to a shortage of asphalt. Key road maintenance work is on hold, pushing back timelines for various projects, including plans for the upcoming construction season. The reasons for the strike have not been disclosed, but local leaders and contractors are urged to resolve issues promptly to mitigate impact on essential infrastructure.
Spokane – A labor strike initiated by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 is currently affecting numerous construction projects across the Spokane region. The strike has led union members to picket outside Shamrock Paving Company in Airway Heights, but details regarding the reasons for the strike have not been disclosed. As a result, the availability of asphalt, which is essential for many construction projects, has been significantly impacted.
Several critical construction projects are now on hold, including street maintenance on North Foothills Drive between Hamilton Street and Hogan Street. Furthermore, multiple projects slated for the 2025 season are likely to be postponed until 2026. The list of delayed projects includes:
Other impacted projects due to the asphalt vendor issues include:
Additionally, a contracted grind and overlay project on various avenues, including Sprague Avenue, Alki Avenue, and Broadway Avenue between Freya Street and Havana Street, has also been halted. A crucial water main project in Northwest Spokane, located near Francis and Assembly, is experiencing delays due to the strike.
The reasons behind the strike and the status of negotiations between the contractors and the workers remain unclear, adding uncertainty to an already tense situation. Experts in public works have expressed concern that even if the strike is resolved quickly, a backlog of private businesses will likely compete with the city for the asphalt necessary for construction.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has confirmed that the strike has disrupted three state projects, which include:
In Spokane County, officials anticipate that if the strike persists beyond two weeks, it could delay construction on Country Homes Boulevard, Wall Street, and North Hatch Road. Meanwhile, the Idaho Transportation Department is closely monitoring the situation for potential impacts on projects in North Idaho, particularly on the I-90 expansion project and the SH-53 Pleasant View Interchange. However, the scope and duration of these impacts remain uncertain as the Transportation Department keeps track of contractor schedules.
Community reactions to the strike have been varied. Residents have expressed mixed feelings about its effects on local traffic and ongoing construction endeavors across the region. As the situation develops, construction delays are likely to continue, posing challenges for project timelines affected by the strike and the subsequent asphalt shortages.
As the work stoppage develops, local leaders and contractors are urged to work swiftly to address the grievances of the striking workers while minimizing disruptions to essential infrastructure projects throughout the Spokane area.
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