Columbia Countercurrent

State Government

New tolling rules on northbound SR 167 HOV lane in Sumner took effect Jan. 12 — what SW Washington drivers should know

WSDOT converted the northbound SR 167 HOV lane between Sumner and Pacific into an express toll lane on Jan. 12, 2026. Here’s what it means for Cowlitz County commuters, including Good To Go! and Pay By Mail rules.

The Feed

Jan 22, 2026

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State Government

WSDOT releases final plan for SR 165 Fairfax Bridge: replace it, or remove it and keep road closed

WSDOT has published its final planning study for the closed SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge near Carbonado and is moving two options into design and environmental review: build a replacement bridge north of the current alignment, or remove the bridge and keep SR 165 closed south of Carbonado.

The Feed

Jan 22, 2026

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State Government

WSDOT advances two paths after SR 165 Carbon River Bridge closure — replacement or permanent shutdown

WSDOT says it’s advancing two options after the April 2025 closure of the SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge: build a replacement just north of the current bridge, or keep SR 165 closed and remove the historic span.

The Feed

Jan 22, 2026

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State Government

WSDOT closes Hansen Road overpass over I-90 in Moses Lake after inspection finds deterioration

WSDOT ordered an emergency closure of the Hansen Road overpass above I-90 at Exit 174 in Moses Lake after a Jan. 14 inspection found deterioration. The closure began at 6 a.m. Jan. 17, and WSDOT says more investigation is needed before repair and reopening timelines can be set.

The Feed

Jan 22, 2026

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Public Safety

WSDOT plans emergency flood repairs on SR 542 near Glacier; five-day full closure expected

WSDOT says emergency flood repairs on SR 542 (Mount Baker Highway) east of Glacier were expected to begin Jan. 19, including alternating traffic and a five-day full closure at one work site.

The Feed

Jan 22, 2026

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Public Safety

State Route 530 Reopens Near Rockport After Flood Damage Repair; Reminder for Cowlitz County Winter Travelers

WSDOT says a flood-damaged stretch of SR 530 about eight miles south of Rockport reopened Jan. 20 after emergency repairs, restoring two-way travel after December’s Sauk River flooding.

The Feed

Jan 22, 2026

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State Government

WSDOT schedules Jan. 22 North Spokane Corridor community workshop; I-90 “final connection” planning continues

WSDOT’s Jan. 22 workshop in Spokane invites public and active transportation users to weigh in on community improvements tied to the North Spokane Corridor’s final connection to I-90.

The Feed

Jan 22, 2026

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Federal Government

Sen. Ron Wyden schedules Columbia County town hall in Scappoose on Jan. 24

Sen. Ron Wyden is scheduled to hold an open-to-all town hall in Columbia County, Oregon, on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Scappoose High School—an event likely to draw some Lower Columbia residents from across the river.

The Feed

Jan 21, 2026

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Local Government

Lewis River Road culvert work in Woodland caused Jan. 21 daytime delays near Pacific & Buckeye

Drivers on Lewis River Road (SR-503) in Woodland faced delays Jan. 21 as crews repaired a damaged culvert near Pacific Avenue and Buckeye Street, closing the northbound lane during daytime hours.

The Feed

Jan 21, 2026

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Public Safety

Longview PD K9 training near 7th and Broadway prompts brief heavy police presence

Longview residents near 7th Avenue and Broadway may see a heavy police presence, but KLOG reports it’s Longview Police K9 training—not an emergency.

The Feed

Jan 21, 2026

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Local Government

Phase 3 construction begins near Washington Way and 15th Avenue, bringing lane closures through Feb. 13

Phase 3 of the Lower Columbia College water main relocation project begins Thursday, Jan. 22, bringing lane closures, detours, and transit stop relocations near Washington Way and 15th Avenue through Feb. 13.

The Feed

Jan 21, 2026

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Local Government

Kelso council advances 0.1% public safety sales tax plan; ordinance draft next

Kelso City Council approved a motion to draft an ordinance for a 0.1% public safety sales tax, with debate over whether to seek a costly advisory vote and concerns about rising criminal-justice defense costs.

The Feed

Jan 21, 2026

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Columbia Countercurrent

Jefferson County’s Prosecutor Shortage Raises Questions for Rural Justice Systems

New tolling rules on northbound SR 167 HOV lane in Sumner took effect Jan. 12 — what SW Washington drivers should know

WSDOT releases final plan for SR 165 Fairfax Bridge: replace it, or remove it and keep road closed

WSDOT advances two paths after SR 165 Carbon River Bridge closure — replacement or permanent shutdown

WSDOT closes Hansen Road overpass over I-90 in Moses Lake after inspection finds deterioration

WSDOT plans emergency flood repairs on SR 542 near Glacier; five-day full closure expected

State Route 530 Reopens Near Rockport After Flood Damage Repair; Reminder for Cowlitz County Winter Travelers

WSDOT schedules Jan. 22 North Spokane Corridor community workshop; I-90 “final connection” planning continues

Sen. Ron Wyden schedules Columbia County town hall in Scappoose on Jan. 24

Lewis River Road culvert work in Woodland caused Jan. 21 daytime delays near Pacific & Buckeye

Longview PD K9 training near 7th and Broadway prompts brief heavy police presence

Phase 3 construction begins near Washington Way and 15th Avenue, bringing lane closures through Feb. 13

Kelso council advances 0.1% public safety sales tax plan; ordinance draft next

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