Bertha more than halfway through tunnel dig; WSDOT calls it big 'milestone'

Bertha more than halfway through tunnel dig; WSDOT calls it big 'milestone'

SEATTLE -- A rare look underground 6th and Thomas was offered Monday where Bertha is expected to end her dig next spring.The site is also the place crews are building one of two operation centers that will monitor the tunnel once it replaces the Alaskan Way Viaduct.On Monday, WSDOT said Bertha is more than halfway done digging the tunnel.

SEATTLE -- A rare look underground 6th and Thomas was offered Monday where Bertha is expected to end her dig next spring.The site is also the place crews are building one of two operation centers that will monitor the tunnel once it replaces the Alaskan Way Viaduct.On Monday, WSDOT said Bertha is more than halfway done digging the tunnel.

WSDOT: Expect traffic backups near SR 16 and I-5 in Tacoma through spring 2017

WSDOT: Expect traffic backups near SR 16 and I-5 in Tacoma through spring 2017

TACOMA -- Drivers are bracing for backups and delays on eastbound State Route 16 through Tacoma.The Washington State Department of Transportation says starting Wednesday the SR 16 on-ramp to northbound I-5 will be reduced to one lane until spring 2017.

TACOMA -- Drivers are bracing for backups and delays on eastbound State Route 16 through Tacoma.The Washington State Department of Transportation says starting Wednesday the SR 16 on-ramp to northbound I-5 will be reduced to one lane until spring 2017.

Starbucks recalling straws after children injured

Starbucks recalling straws after children injured

Starbucks is recalling millions of stainless steel straws due to reports of children being injured.Starbucks sold the straws on their own, and as part of a set with Cold-to-Go stainless steel cups.The straws can poke children in the mouth.

Starbucks is recalling millions of stainless steel straws due to reports of children being injured.Starbucks sold the straws on their own, and as part of a set with Cold-to-Go stainless steel cups.The straws can poke children in the mouth.

Microsoft plans to lay off 2,850 people in next year, company's annual report shows

Microsoft plans to lay off 2,850 people in next year, company's annual report shows

SEATTLE (AP) — Microsoft plans to lay off 2,850 people before the end of the company's fiscal year in June 2017.The Seattle Times reports (http://goo.gl/eZ6Ly8 ) the disclosure came in the company's annual report, filed with regulators Thursday.A Microsoft spokeswoman says the cuts would primarily affect people in smartphone hardware roles and their sales teams.

SEATTLE (AP) — Microsoft plans to lay off 2,850 people before the end of the company's fiscal year in June 2017.The Seattle Times reports (http://goo.gl/eZ6Ly8 ) the disclosure came in the company's annual report, filed with regulators Thursday.A Microsoft spokeswoman says the cuts would primarily affect people in smartphone hardware roles and their sales teams.

WSDOT pushes back the Pilchuck River to save highway, homes

WSDOT pushes back the Pilchuck River to save highway, homes

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. -- Caroline Petosa looks from her backyard down below on dozens of Washington State Department of Transportation contractors actively moving the Pilchuck River.Her backyard has been shrinking nearly every year as winter rains and spring runoff cause the powerful Pilchuck to eat away at her river bank."All of this down here would be flooded," she said as she points to the grassy bank about 15 feet below the grade of the rest of her backyard. "All of it would be underwater."WSDOT says they've been tracking the erosion along the Pilchuck River as it winds along State Route 92 between Granite Falls and Lake Stevens for many years.WSDOT says the river is roughly consuming about 40 feet of river bank a year and now it's only 40 feet from the road.Petosa is glad the state highway department is taking action."There’s so many men out there working, I think it’s just great."A massive black water tube as wide as a freeway lane and about just as high called an Aqua Dam is being inflated with river water.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. -- Caroline Petosa looks from her backyard down below on dozens of Washington State Department of Transportation contractors actively moving the Pilchuck River.Her backyard has been shrinking nearly every year as winter rains and spring runoff cause the powerful Pilchuck to eat away at her river bank."All of this down here would be flooded," she said as she points to the grassy bank about 15 feet below the grade of the rest of her backyard. "All of it would be underwater."WSDOT says they've been tracking the erosion along the Pilchuck River as it winds along State Route 92 between Granite Falls and Lake Stevens for many years.WSDOT says the river is roughly consuming about 40 feet of river bank a year and now it's only 40 feet from the road.Petosa is glad the state highway department is taking action."There’s so many men out there working, I think it’s just great."A massive black water tube as wide as a freeway lane and about just as high called an Aqua Dam is being inflated with river water.

Seattle Starbucks customers change names to 'Black Lives Matter'

Seattle Starbucks customers change names to 'Black Lives Matter'

SEATTLE (AP) — Some Starbucks customers have been giving their name to baristas as "Black Lives Matter" in an effort to help spread awareness of the movement.Lex Cross posted a picture of his Starbucks receipt with the name "#blacklivesmatter" on Facebook last week .

SEATTLE (AP) — Some Starbucks customers have been giving their name to baristas as "Black Lives Matter" in an effort to help spread awareness of the movement.Lex Cross posted a picture of his Starbucks receipt with the name "#blacklivesmatter" on Facebook last week .

WSDOT says human error caused Hood Canal Bridge closure Sunday

WSDOT says human error caused Hood Canal Bridge closure Sunday

HOOD CANAL, Wash. – Human error led to the Hood Canal Bridge being closed to traffic for seven hours on Sunday, the Washington State Department of Transportation said in a release on Monday.The bridge lifted unevenly during an opening at 8 a.m., and it didn’t open again to traffic until around 3 p.m.WSDOT said the problem was caused because there wasn’t enough hydraulic fluid in one of the four lifts that raise and lower that section of the bridge.

HOOD CANAL, Wash. – Human error led to the Hood Canal Bridge being closed to traffic for seven hours on Sunday, the Washington State Department of Transportation said in a release on Monday.The bridge lifted unevenly during an opening at 8 a.m., and it didn’t open again to traffic until around 3 p.m.WSDOT said the problem was caused because there wasn’t enough hydraulic fluid in one of the four lifts that raise and lower that section of the bridge.

WSDOT says holiday traffic will remain congested through Saturday

WSDOT says holiday traffic will remain congested through Saturday

SEATTLE - A lot of people are trying to get out of town with their families for the holiday weekend, so the Department of Transportation says there’s going to be congestion again tomorrow.Ann Underwood lives on Bainbridge island, so she takes a lot of ferries.

SEATTLE - A lot of people are trying to get out of town with their families for the holiday weekend, so the Department of Transportation says there’s going to be congestion again tomorrow.Ann Underwood lives on Bainbridge island, so she takes a lot of ferries.

More than 38 million Memorial Day travelers expected nationwide; WSDOT warns of 'ferry frenzy'

More than 38 million Memorial Day travelers expected nationwide; WSDOT warns of 'ferry frenzy'

WASHINGTON (AP) — The lowest gas prices in more than a decade could make this Memorial Day one of the busiest ever on the roads.AAA projects some 38 million people will travel 50 miles or more over the holiday weekend.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The lowest gas prices in more than a decade could make this Memorial Day one of the busiest ever on the roads.AAA projects some 38 million people will travel 50 miles or more over the holiday weekend.

Nike releases Starbucks coffee-inspired sneakers

Nike releases Starbucks coffee-inspired sneakers

It's a trenta-sized collaboration that no doubt is causing buzz.Though not an official collaboration between some of the biggest food and fashion companies in the world, it seems Nike has created a Starbucks-inspired line of sneakers.Dubbed the "Nike SB Dunk Low Premiere Starbucks Edition," the sneakers are brown-colored with streaky swirls of khaki, which of course looks like the steam from a fresh cup of joe.The Nike swoosh is the same green and white colors as the Starbucks logo, and the green is also featured on the outline, along the heel, tongue and base of the shoes.The sneakers are available now for a limited time at select Nike retailers.And like many in the SB Premium line, these have a grande price, of about $100 a pop, or about the cost of 20 venti-sized lattes.

It's a trenta-sized collaboration that no doubt is causing buzz.Though not an official collaboration between some of the biggest food and fashion companies in the world, it seems Nike has created a Starbucks-inspired line of sneakers.Dubbed the "Nike SB Dunk Low Premiere Starbucks Edition," the sneakers are brown-colored with streaky swirls of khaki, which of course looks like the steam from a fresh cup of joe.The Nike swoosh is the same green and white colors as the Starbucks logo, and the green is also featured on the outline, along the heel, tongue and base of the shoes.The sneakers are available now for a limited time at select Nike retailers.And like many in the SB Premium line, these have a grande price, of about $100 a pop, or about the cost of 20 venti-sized lattes.

State audit finds problems with WSDOT toll collection system

State audit finds problems with WSDOT toll collection system

OLYMPIA, Wash. --  A new audit of the Washington state toll system says the state is failing to collect millions of dollars in tolls and fines.The Washington State Auditor’s office conducted that performance audit and found some problems with the Washington State Department of Transportation's toll collection system.One of the major problems -- there is $96 million out there in outstanding tolls, fees, and fines.If you drive in the Seattle-Tacoma area, you’ve seen the toll lanes.Since 2011, the state of Washington has been using its all-electronic toll collection system.

OLYMPIA, Wash. --  A new audit of the Washington state toll system says the state is failing to collect millions of dollars in tolls and fines.The Washington State Auditor’s office conducted that performance audit and found some problems with the Washington State Department of Transportation's toll collection system.One of the major problems -- there is $96 million out there in outstanding tolls, fees, and fines.If you drive in the Seattle-Tacoma area, you’ve seen the toll lanes.Since 2011, the state of Washington has been using its all-electronic toll collection system.

Car that drove off Hood Canal bridge belonged to WSDOT maintenance worker

Car that drove off Hood Canal bridge belonged to WSDOT maintenance worker

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The state Department of Transportation says that one of the agency's bridge maintenance workers is missing after his car apparently drove off of the Hood Canal bridge.Acting Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar sent an email to agency staff on Tuesday alerting them to the incident.

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The state Department of Transportation says that one of the agency's bridge maintenance workers is missing after his car apparently drove off of the Hood Canal bridge.Acting Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar sent an email to agency staff on Tuesday alerting them to the incident.

Expect 'a more challenging commute' Monday with viaduct closure, WSDOT warns

Expect 'a more challenging commute' Monday with viaduct closure, WSDOT warns

SEATTLE -- The Washington State Department of Transportation said Sunday that drivers should "expect a more challenging commute Monday" since the closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct last Friday.While the traffic backups on Interstate 5 were not as bad as feared Friday, WSDOT warned that "Mondays are a traditionally heavier traffic day than Fridays."

SEATTLE -- The Washington State Department of Transportation said Sunday that drivers should "expect a more challenging commute Monday" since the closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct last Friday.While the traffic backups on Interstate 5 were not as bad as feared Friday, WSDOT warned that "Mondays are a traditionally heavier traffic day than Fridays."

State's acting transportation secretary talks about WSDOT's challenges (VIDEO)

State's acting transportation secretary talks about WSDOT's challenges (VIDEO)

SEATTLE -- Roger Millar, the acting state transportation secretary,  admitted Tuesday that the Washington State Department of Transportation faces challenges, but that it is working hard to make everyone's commute better.Gov.

SEATTLE -- Roger Millar, the acting state transportation secretary,  admitted Tuesday that the Washington State Department of Transportation faces challenges, but that it is working hard to make everyone's commute better.Gov.

Driver dies after crashing into WSDOT truck on I-5 in Everett

Driver dies after crashing into WSDOT truck on I-5 in Everett

EVERETT, Wash. -- An SUV driver was killed Monday morning after crashing into a WSDOT truck.Washington State Patrol is investigating the crash on Interstate 5 in Everett that caused major delays both north and southbound near SR 526.Troopers say the driver was driving southbound on I-5 near SR 516 when they crashed into the back of the WSDOT truck which burst into flames.A WSDOT worker ran out to help the driver but couldn't get to that person.

EVERETT, Wash. -- An SUV driver was killed Monday morning after crashing into a WSDOT truck.Washington State Patrol is investigating the crash on Interstate 5 in Everett that caused major delays both north and southbound near SR 526.Troopers say the driver was driving southbound on I-5 near SR 516 when they crashed into the back of the WSDOT truck which burst into flames.A WSDOT worker ran out to help the driver but couldn't get to that person.

White River Bridge reopens to traffic

White River Bridge reopens to traffic

ENUMCLAW, Wash. – After nearly a week of repairs, the White River Bridge between Buckley and Enumclaw is back open.Crews from the Washington State Department of Transportation reopened the bridge just before 1 a.m. on Saturday.

ENUMCLAW, Wash. – After nearly a week of repairs, the White River Bridge between Buckley and Enumclaw is back open.Crews from the Washington State Department of Transportation reopened the bridge just before 1 a.m. on Saturday.

WOW! Alaska Airlines employee buys plane ticket for stranded passenger out-of-pocket

WOW! Alaska Airlines employee buys plane ticket for stranded passenger out-of-pocket

SEATAC, Wash. -- An Alaska Airlines employee went to great lengths to make sure a traveler arrived home -- by paying for her ticket out of her own pocket.Vancouver B.C.'s News1130 reports that Miriam Thomas was trying to return home from a business trip last week, when her ticket was cancelled by Delta Airlines due to unscheduled delays and other issues.

SEATAC, Wash. -- An Alaska Airlines employee went to great lengths to make sure a traveler arrived home -- by paying for her ticket out of her own pocket.Vancouver B.C.'s News1130 reports that Miriam Thomas was trying to return home from a business trip last week, when her ticket was cancelled by Delta Airlines due to unscheduled delays and other issues.

WSDOT crews already working to clear mountain passes

WSDOT crews already working to clear mountain passes

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — After a mild winter with relatively little snowfall, road crews are already getting to work clearing some of Washington's mountain passes.The state Department of Transportation says work's underway to clear Chinook Pass on State Route 410 and Cayuse Pass on State Route 123.

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — After a mild winter with relatively little snowfall, road crews are already getting to work clearing some of Washington's mountain passes.The state Department of Transportation says work's underway to clear Chinook Pass on State Route 410 and Cayuse Pass on State Route 123.

SPD: Two arrested after gun drawn during Belltown incident

SPD: Two arrested after gun drawn during Belltown incident

Seattle Police believe that they were able to stop a shooting before it happened early Saturday after arresting two armed men in Belltown.SPD spokesperson Det.

Seattle Police believe that they were able to stop a shooting before it happened early Saturday after arresting two armed men in Belltown.SPD spokesperson Det.