In Washington water is everywhere. As a result, so are the bridges and ferries that help keep the state’s economy vibrant and goods, people and services moving.

The Washington State Department of Transportation’s quarterly performance and accountability report, the “Gray Notebook,” takes a close look at how well the agency is preserving its bridges, ferry terminals and vessels and how the state is performing in terms of transporting goods and services.

“These articles provide comprehensive updates on bridge and ferry conditions and explain how WSDOT is working to ensure they are not only safe, but remain reliable in the long-term,” said Daniela Bremmer, director of Strategic Assessment and Performance Analysis. “The trucks, goods and freight article provides insight as to whether our highway, ports and airports are adequate in handling the demands put on them daily.”

In addition to quarterly articles on ferries, rail, Lean and incident response, this issue also features annual reports on how Washington state agencies are working together to make highways safer for travelers, and how obtaining certain environmental permits saves WSDOT time and resources.

Performance measures reported in “Gray Notebook 54” include:

·         Ninety-two percent of all state and local bridges measured by total deck area are in fair or better condition. (pp. 4-11)

·         More than 88 percent of WSDOT Ferries Division’s terminal systems are in fair or better condition. (pp. 12-17)

·         The number of trucks crossing the Canadian border into Washington grew by 2.5 percent in 2013. (pp. 28-31)

To find out more about WSDOT accountability and view “Gray Notebook 54” or the condensed Gray Notebook Lite version, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Accountability/.