COEUR d’ALENE — Several construction projects in North Idaho are seeing delays amid a labor strike involving heavy equipment operators in eastern Washington.

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 went on strike August 12. Members had "apparently rejected contract offers by Associated General Contractors in June and again in August," Tri-City Herald first reported. 

The strike is also impacting projects throughout eastern Washington and the Tri-Cities area.

"Hope negotiations can progress so guys can get back to work for fair wages," Everett Stapler wrote in an Aug. 12 Facebook post announcing the strike.

Details on how many workers are striking, and how many job sites are affected in total, have not been made available. The union representative had declined previous requests for comment.

Meanwhile, the Idaho Transportation Department "is coordinating with contractors, local maintenance crews, and partners to address immediate needs and keep traffic moving safely," a press release from the agency said.

The latest status of area projects are as follows: 

I-90/SH-41 Interchange: Previously planned traffic shifts onto the new lanes of SH-41 and the new Single Point Urban Interchange will be delayed until the strike is resolved, ITD said.

At this time, traffic will remain in its current configuration and drivers will continue to use the existing alignment on SH-41.

This delay will also affect the schedule to re-open the new westbound off ramp at SH-41, as it cannot be constructed until traffic is shifted over to use the new intersection.

ITD maintenance crews are evaluating options to reinforce pavement on existing SH-41 for winter use if needed.

Overall completion of the project remains on track for 2026, though some milestones may shift further into the year.

SH-53/Pleasant View Interchange: While “minor construction activities” are ongoing, overall progress is delayed due to the operator strike, ITD said. The temporary signal installed earlier this year remains in place at this time.

A key concern with this project, ITD said, is coordinating with the railroad to set bridge girders over the tracks, which will require adjustments to train schedules.

“Missing the previously planned work window will affect when this task can be rescheduled after the strike ends,” the release read.

I-90 Widening: Though the project officially began last week, significant work has not gotten underway due to the strike. The delayed start is likely to affect the overall schedule and potentially the completion timeline, ITD said.

I-90/Fourth of July Pass: ITD is “currently evaluating options” for traffic control along this section of interstate. Barriers and the current traffic configuration could either remain in place or be adjusted, depending on how the strike unfolds over the next week.

“Leaving traffic as-is may be frustrating for drivers,” ITD said, “but may allow for more efficient work later this year and into 2026 once the strike ends.”

I-90/Coeur d’Alene River Bridge: Girders for the eastbound bridge have been fabricated, but their delivery and installation is delayed at this time by the operator strike.

“This setback may force traffic to remain in the current crossover configuration into the winter, creating challenges for plowing and snow removal,” ITD said.

Reduced lane widths in this setup may also “significantly affect commercial vehicles and oversized loads,” according to ITD.

Current delays may impact the agency’s ability to complete the bridge before winter, as much of the remaining work is weather-dependent.

SH-54 Reconstruction from SH-41 to Greystone Road: With major construction paused due to the ongoing operator strike, ITD maintenance crews have performed temporary paving at key approaches near Timberlake High School and 10th Street in Spirit Lake.

“This work is critical to maintain safe access and keep traffic moving while larger project elements are on hold,” ITD said.

The speed limit in the work zone is currently reduced to 45 mph and is expected to remain in place into winter. Temporary detour information will be posted locally.