Staffing shortages impacting WSDOT operations

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) closed the Custer rest stop and two others on I-5 between Everett and the Canadian border October 15 until early next year, when it will reevaluate reopening based on staffing availability. 

WSDOT spokesperson Bart Treece said the temporary closure of these facilities was mainly due to a lack of workers. For example, in Snohomish County WSDOT lost 32 employees just last month, he said. From September to May, WSDOT closes each rest area for routine winter cleaning and maintenance, which Treece said is not feasible due to WSDOT’s limited staffing and resources.

“We have to prioritize safety on the roads,” Treece said. 

The closures were made just before the state Covid-19 vaccine mandates went into effect, which saw 444 WSDOT employees leave the department. Based on data released by the Office of Financial Management, the Department of Transportation saw the most separations of all the state agencies due to the mandates. 

Treece did not say whether this specifically affected the closures but that WSDOT was understaffed. WSDOT has 6,807 employees, according to the data.

The WSDOT press release that announced the long-term closures pointed out that rest areas are for people who need a break from the highway, but that some individuals were not using the facilities for their intended purpose; i.e., overstaying, illegal disposal and vandalism. While Treece said there were individuals misusing the rest areas, he added that the facilities are aging and in need of appropriate maintenance work to prevent water damage and mushrooming. However, due to the staffing shortages, he said that was less of a priority than keeping the roads safe for
travelers.

WSDOT encourages people to plan ahead this winter while traveling, Treece said. Travelers should find places off of the highway to stop and take some time away from the road or get a bite to eat.