Labor Strike Disrupts Construction Projects in Spokane

Spokane, August 16, 2025

News Summary

A labor strike led by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 is halting construction projects across Spokane, particularly affecting asphalt supply. Various projects including road maintenance on North Foothills Drive and several others planned for 2025 face significant delays. The strike’s impact extends beyond Spokane, with potential ramifications for projects in North Idaho as well. Authorities warn that the situation could worsen if the strike continues for more than two weeks, causing a backlog in asphalt demand and further disrupting future construction efforts.

Spokane—A labor strike led by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 is currently disrupting multiple construction projects across the Spokane region. The strike, primarily taking place outside Shamrock Paving Company in Airway Heights, has significant ramifications for construction schedules and asphalt availability.

The union members involved in the strike have not detailed the reasons behind their actions or the current status of negotiations with contractors. However, the immediate impact is already evident, as various construction projects have been halted, primarily due to limited asphalt supply. These projects are essential for ongoing roadway maintenance and upgrades.

Among the projects put on hold is the critical grind and overlay street maintenance on North Foothills Drive, which runs between Hamilton Street and Hogan Street. Additionally, four significant construction projects that were scheduled for the 2025 season may face postponements until 2026. These include:

• Boone Avenue between Monroe Street and Washington Street
• Napa Street between Trent Avenue and Mission Avenue
• Cozza Drive between Standard Street and Nevada Street
• Qualchan Drive between Cheney-Spokane Road and U.S. Highway 195

Aside from these delays, other disrupted initiatives due to asphalt vendor issues encompass:

• Maple and Ash Streets between Fifth and Bridge
• Lincoln Street between Summit Parkway and Sinto Avenue
• Maxwell Avenue between Maple and Ash and Pettit Drive

A contracted grind and overlay project affecting Sprague Avenue, along with Alki Avenue and Broadway Avenue, is also on hold. Furthermore, a water main project located in Northwest Spokane near Francis and Assembly has been affected by the ongoing strike, causing further delays in municipal projects.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has reported that three state projects have been halted due to the strike. These projects include:

• North Spokane Corridor (Spokane River Crossing Project)
• Paving projects on U.S. Highway 195 near Pullman
• Paving projects on U.S. Highway 395 from Hafer Road to Chewelah

Spokane County authorities have warned that if the strike extends beyond two weeks, additional construction, including projects on Country Homes Blvd., Wall Street, and North Hatch Road, may experience delays. Meanwhile, the Idaho Transportation Department is closely monitoring the strike’s potential impacts on local projects in North Idaho, including the I-90 expansion project and the SH-53 Pleasant View Interchange. However, the extent and duration of these impacts remain uncertain.

The local community has reacted with mixed feelings about the strike’s influence on traffic patterns and the status of ongoing construction. As the situation develops, officials have emphasized the likelihood of a backlog in asphalt demand, which may complicate future construction efforts even after the resolution of the strike.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Heavy Equipment Operators Strike Halts Construction in Tri-Cities and Spokane

Additional Resources

• Spokesman: Labor Strike Continues to Halt Construction
• Wikipedia: Labor Strike
• KHQ: Spokane and Idaho Road Projects Halted
• Google Search: Spokane construction delays labor strike
• KREM: Local Union 302 Strike Halts Projects
• Google Scholar: Construction Labor Strikes
• Tri-City Herald: Business News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
• KXLY: Spokane Construction Projects Halt
• Google News: Spokane Labor Strike

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