Construction projects resume across Inland Northwest after month-long strike, but headaches for businesses and drivers persist

SPOKANE, Wash. — Construction projects across the Inland Northwest resumed today after the Association of General Contractors reached an agreement with Local 302 workers union, ending a month-long strike that had halted work throughout the region.

The strike affected numerous projects in both Washington and Idaho, including major roadway improvements that have caused significant disruptions to businesses and commuters. In Spokane, the Maple Street construction project has been particularly problematic for surrounding businesses.

The construction on Maple Street, which extends down to 4th Avenue and has closed a lane of traffic, may now continue until next year due to delays caused by the strike. The extended timeline has created mounting frustration for local business owners who have seen their operations significantly impacted.

Anthony Panker, who works at Bains Liquor Mart near the construction zone, said the project has created multiple problems for the business.

“Since they started the construction, the horn rate is way up, meaning there are a lot of people honking their horns every morning,” Panker said.

The ongoing construction has led to traffic accidents, traffic backups and reduced customers at the gas station, creating what Panker describes as a seemingly never-ending headache for the business.

“It has really hurt this business – in the thousands every week. So, I’ve been very lucky to be able to stay and keep working because I worry about that,” Panker said.

The City of Spokane says the chances of completing the Maple Street project this year are small. The laying of asphalt, which is needed for grind and overlay projects, depends on warm weather conditions. As the summer season comes to a close, the city says it will either complete part of the project or postpone the entire effort until 2026.

“It’s very frustrating,” Panker said of the extended timeline.

The frustration extends beyond business owners to commuters who regularly travel through the construction zones.

Justin Laragione, who lives in Spokane, said the ongoing work has required significant adjustments to daily routines.

“If you commute this way, you have to take extra time and plan on doing extra time,” Laragione said.

The city is currently assessing all projects that were put on pause because of the strike and determining if and when work will resume on each one.

The strike’s impact extended beyond Washington state borders. Construction projects in Idaho, including the I-90 widening project near Post Falls, were also halted during the work stoppage. The Idaho Transportation Department says the strike will impact original project completion dates for affected infrastructure improvements.