State Supplement sponsored by:
PACIFIC NORTHWEST EDITION A Supplement to: SHIP WITHIN 48 HOURS
®
September 20 2026 Vol. X • No. 19
SAME DAY PARTS AVAILABILITY 24 HOUR TECHNICAL SUPPORT BACKED BY AN 85 YEAR BUSINESS Thousands in Service!
“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.”
Your Pacific Northwest Connection – Sharon Swanson – 1-760-518-4336 – sswanson@cegltd.com
Affordable Price. Premium Service.
CALL 800-367-4937 *On approved credit • Financing Available
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has entered the final stage of the $188 million Interstate 90/State Route 18 interchange expansion and improvement project.
By Keri White
CEG CORRESPONDENT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has entered the final stage of the $188 million Interstate 90/State Route 18 interchange expansion and improvement project. The interchange is one of the busiest in the state and, before the recent upgrade, was often backed up at peak times and on busy travel weekends. The current phase involves the final paving and is expected to be completed by the end of the summer, according to the WSDOT website. The comprehensive project involved several stages of construction which included significant upgrades and alterations to the traffic patterns, roadways, infrastructure and natural environment. Aecon Pacific Northwest Inc. is serving as the contractor. Traffic Flow, Safety Improvements The traffic interchange at the juncture was converted to a diverging diamond pattern. This new pattern is safer because
it prevents left turns across oncoming traffic and reduces the number of spots where vehicles can collide or encounter pedestrians and bicycles. This new interchange reduces the number of potential conflict points from 26 to 14, which, in turn, reduces the potential for collisions by nearly 50 percent, according to the WSDOT website. The WSDOT also improved safety on the off-ramp from I-90 to SR 18 by widening the eastbound I-90 off-ramp and extending “exit only” striping on the approach to the exit. Two new active warning signs on eastbound I-90 were installed to alert drivers of stopped traffic ahead, and additional warning signs with flashing yellow beacons were installed south of the Southeast 104th Street intersection to signal to drivers that vehicles are entering and exiting the highway at the intersection. In partnership with the city of Snoqualmie, the WSDOT altered the lane configuration on southbound Snoqualmie Parkway to make the right lane a right-turn-only lane to the westbound I-90 on-ramp, according to the WSDOT website. see EXPANSION page 10
A project map of the impacted area
Page 2 • September 20, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Pacific Northwest Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
www.modernmachinery.com
Kent, WA (800) 669-2425 Rochester, WA (800) 304-4421 Spokane, WA (800) 541-0754
Komatsu Hydromechanical Transmission
New operator cab experience
Improved angle feedback joystick steering
WA485-11
Boise, ID (800) 221-5211 Pocatello, ID (800) 829-4450 Billings, MT (800) 735-2589 Columbia Falls, MT (800) 434-4190 Missoula, MT (800) 332-1617 Eugene, OR (800) 826-9811 Portland, OR (800) 950-7779
Engineered for high productivity and next-level performance
Komatsu’s WA475-11 and WA485-11 deliver an improved operator environment, better engine performance and intuitive operator controls. • Lower fuel consumption • Increased engine power, breakout and lifting force • Increased climbing speed
Discover more komatsu.com/WA485-11
*Claims for both machines are based on their respective previous model. Claim for the WA475-11 are based on the WA47510 model. Claims for the WA485-11 are based on the WA480-8. © 2025 Komatsu Ltd. or one of its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.
Construction Equipment Guide • Pacific Northwest Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • September 20, 2026 • Page 3
Loved for the features. Trusted for the performance. Hyundai wheel loaders have the power and performance, not to mention top-notch interiors, accurate onboard weighing system, industry proven drivetrain durability, clear sightlines, and handy tech—that make life on the jobsite easier. So you can do more without feeling it. No wonder so many first-time Hyundai users become longtime fans. See the Hyundai difference yourself at your local dealer or na.hd-hyundaice.com.
OAK HARBOR (360) 675-4441
MARYSVILLE (360) 651-9079
HL985A Two-pass wheel loader
WENATCHEE (509) 888-8181 (800) 292-4441 OFFICE@JETCITYEQUIPMENT.COM
Learn more
Page 4 • September 20, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Pacific Northwest Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
ISP Breaks Ground On New Forensic Services Laboratory The Idaho State Police (ISP) broke ground on Aug. 25, 2026, on a new 20,000-sq.-ft. forensic laboratory at ISP Headquarters in Meridian. This project represents a major investment in Idaho’s forensic science capabilities and supports the criminal justice agencies that depend on these services. Construction is scheduled to be completed in January 2028. Hoffman Construction serves as construction manager and general contractor. Lombard Conrad Architects leads the architectural team, with SmithGroup providing architecture and design consulting. The $29 million facility will include DNA casework, latent print examination, digital forensics, and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). ISP Forensic Services (ISPFS) delivers scientific analysis and related services statewide. In Fiscal Year 2026, the laboratory system received 16,069 case submissions, including 3,745 DNA samples, and supported 114 law enforcement agencies, prosecutors in all 44 counties, 14 public defender offices, and 44 coroners. “This is a unique opportunity to build for the future and keep Idaho at the forefront of forensic science,” said Col. Bill Gardiner,
A rendering of the Idaho State Police forensic laboratory now under construction.
director of the Idaho State Police. “Our scientists need modern facilities that can keep pace with advances in technology and the growing demands placed on our laboratories. … This investment will strengthen our ability to assist law enforcement across the
state and help provide answers and seek justice for victims and their families.” Planning and design have been ongoing for several years, with ISPFS scientists and managers collaborating with laboratory design professionals to create efficient,
Elected officials throw the ceremonial first shovels of dirt on Aug. 25, 2026, for the new Idaho State Police forensic laboratory under construction in Meridian.
purpose-built workspaces. The building will feature specialized electrical, plumbing, HVAC, information technology and other infrastructure essential for a modern forensic laboratory. The facility also will support emerging technologies, including plans to establish Whole Genome Sequencing capabilities for advanced forensic DNA analysis. These advancements will enhance tools available for current investigations and cold cases. The NIBIN unit will continue to provide agencies with access to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives database to link ballistic evidence and investigate gun crimes. ISPFS maintains Idaho’s NIBIN system and offers training and support to participating agencies. Relocating these disciplines to the new facility will expand capacity in the existing Headquarters laboratory for chemistry, toxicology, DNA database operations, and alcohol analysis. This project is Phase 1 of a larger planned laboratory expansion. Future phases are included in the overall design but are not part of the current construction. The facility is funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds provided to Idaho. Hoffman Construction serves as construction manager and general contractor. Lombard Conrad Architects leads the architectural team, with SmithGroup providing architecture and design consulting. The project also includes expanded public and employee parking, as well as low-wateruse landscaping at the ISP Headquarters campus. (All photos courtesy of the Idaho State Police.)
Construction Equipment Guide • Pacific Northwest Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • September 20, 2026 • Page 5
ALL WORK. NO WEAKNESS.
From loaders to excavators, N&S Tractor has all your CASE Construction equipment needs covered. Visit one of our locations today and put power, reliability, and performance to work for you.
CALIFORNIA COLUSA 1960 Highway 20 Colusa, CA 95932 Phone: (530) 458-2166 DIXON 793 N First Street Dixon, CA 95620 Phone: (916) 649-0096 DOS PALOS 2173 Blossom Street Dos Palos, CA 93620 Phone: (209) 392-2161 MERCED 600 S. State Highway 59 Merced, CA 95341 Phone: (209) 383-5888
REDDING 2535 Ellis Street Redding, CA 96001 Phone: (530) 245-9000 STOCKTON 1340 W. Charter Way Stockton, CA 95206 Phone: (209) 944-5500 STRATFORD 20280 Main St. Stratford, CA 93266 Phone: (559) 947-3301 TURLOCK 1215 West Glenwood Ave Turlock, CA 95380-5703 Phone: (209) 634-1777
WILLOWS 827 North Tehama St Willows, CA 95988 Phone: (530) 934-3382 YUBA CITY 3056 Colusa Highway Yuba City, CA 95993 Phone: (530) 923-7675 NEVADA RENO/SPARKS 1455 Glendale Ave. Sparks, NV 89431 Phone: (775) 358-5000
OREGON HARRISBURG 230 Sommerville Avenue Harrisburg, OR 97446 Phone: (541) 995-2262 HILLSBORO 185 W Main St. Ext. Hillsboro, OR 97123 Phone: (503) 648-4178 MADRAS 36 NW A Street Madras, OR 97741 Phone: (541) 475-2253
RICKREALL 9055 Rickreall Road Rickreall, OR 97371 Phone: (503) 363-2332 WOODBURN 2929 N. Pacific Highway Woodburn, OR 97071 Phone: (503) 981-0151
888-246-0892 NSTRACTOR.COM
Page 6 • September 20, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Pacific Northwest Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
ITD’s New Wildlife Crossings at Rocky Point Near Finish In the southeast corner of Idaho, just 10 mi. from Wyoming, U.S. 30 threads between two mountain ranges split by the Bear River. The area is known as Rocky Point and is a key migration passage for mule deer. Twice every year thousands of deer migrate through the narrow canyon and over U.S. 30. The result has been more than 100 wildlife vehicle collisions per year, posing significant risk to deer herds and motorists. It is estimated that the cost of these collisions at Rocky Point adds up to $2 million per year. To solve the problem, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) designed a series of wildlife underpasses using two box culverts, a bridge, and fencing to funnel the animals into the underpasses. In addition, numerous jump-outs were installed to give deer an easy way to exit the highway in the event they get on the wrong side of the fencing. “The Idaho Transportation Department’s primary responsibility is the safety of the traveling public,” ITD Project Manager Bo Frasure said. “With approximately 100 wildlife collisions a year at Rocky Point, this project’s need was clearly apparent.
By funneling wildlife through underpasses, the animals are kept off the road and safely away from traffic.” Sundt Construction is the project’s contractor. The project includes construction of three distinct structures: one bridge with precast concrete girders, one bridge using precast pre-stressed voided slab girders and one precast box culvert. Crews also will install 5 mi. of 8-ft.-tall wildlife fencing to help guide animals safely toward the crossings, along with associated roadway improvements. In late August, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, the Idaho Conservation League, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) A map of the project area and ITD hosted staff from the offices of Sen. Mike Crapo, Sen. Jim Risch, on U.S. 30, the importance of the wildlife Rep. Mike Simpson and other regional crossings was readily apparent to attendees. decision-makers to tour the project and In addition to Frasure, speakers included to demonstrate the importance of wildlife the director for the Greater Yellowstone crossings to public safety and wildlife Coalition, a landowner, an insurance migrations on Idaho roads. executive, Idaho Fish and Game’s regional Participants had an opportunity to go supervisor, the local sheriff and a Bear Lake to the construction site to view one of the County commissioner. underpasses. With semitrucks roaring by “This project is about more than moving
One of the new wildlife underpasses is visible in the background.
wildlife across the road — it’s an investment in public safety and the mule deer resource in this part of the state,” said Dan Garren, regional supervisor for IDFG’s Southeast Region. “What makes it especially meaningful is the overwhelming support from agencies, hunters, conservation groups, and the community. Mule deer are central to our outdoor heritage, recreation, economy, and way of life here.” ITD secured a $20.8 million grant for the Rocky Point crossing from the Federal Highway Administration’s Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program. The FHWA Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program grant covers about 98 percent of the construction costs for the trio of underpasses. An additional $1.2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is funding a portion of the fencing to connect two of the structures in the heart of the mule deer travel route. The project is scheduled to be completed this fall and is expected to be significantly under budget. (All photos courtesy of the Idaho Transportation Department.)
Construction Equipment Guide • Pacific Northwest Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • September 20, 2026 • Page 7
www.triadmachinery.com
OREGON Portland (503) 254-5100 Eugene (541) 342-7700 Bend/Prineville (541) 447-5293 WASHINGTON Sumner (253) 722-5560 Spokane (509) 534-1900 Mt. Vernon (360) 488-3948
Page 8 • September 20, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Pacific Northwest Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Lam Research Begins $620M Oregon Lab Construction In a ceremony on Aug. 26, 2026, at its research and development center in Tualatin, Ore., Lam Research Corp. commemorated the start of construction on its new $620 million lab, part of a more than $3 billion planned investment in its global lab network over the next five years to accelerate breakthroughs for the creation of advanced AI chips. Located in the Silicon Forest, in proximity to key customers, the new 120,000-sq.-ft. facility is expected to increase cleanroom lab space at the Lam Tualatin R&D center by more than 50 percent, enabling expanded experimentation and accelerated solution development. Mortenson is the project contractor. Lam said it plans to make the new facility one of its most advanced labs in the world, increasing capacity and capabilities for side-by-side innovation with customers and compressing product development cycles across its global lab network. “Delivering next-generation semiconductors at the speed of AI requires relentless innovation and a strategic focus on the technology breakthroughs that matter most to our customers,” Chief Operating Officer Sesha Varadarajan said. “Our new advanced Oregon lab is expected to deepen our specialized capabilities and add tens of thousands of square feet of valuable cleanroom space, enabling even closer collaboration with customers while strengthening the expertise and reach of our global lab network.” The company said the new Oregon lab will build on its strengths as a leader in atomic-scale semiconductor manufacturing, adding specialized capabilities to support advanced deposition and etch process development, materials science, and hardware validation. Just like in Lam’s existing labs, customers can work closely on site in the new facility with Lam engineers through each phase of product development, from idea to deployment in their labs. The lab also will join Lam’s integrated network of specialized labs around the world, which operate together to drive innovation 24/7, in parallel and at scale. Projected to open in 2028, the lab is part of a planned
Lam Research Corp. commemorated the start of construction on its new $620 million lab on Aug. 26, 2026.
multi-building expansion at Lam’s Tualatin campus. According to a third-party assessment, over the threeyear construction period, the project is expected to create approximately 900 jobs and $500 million in economic output. Once completed, the expansion is expected to represent the company’s biggest investment in Oregon to date, with a projected economic impact that includes creating more than 400 new Lam jobs and bolstering the number of jobs that Lam supports statewide to more than 11,000. In addition, the completed expansion is projected to increase Lam’s annual economic contribution in Oregon to Groundbreaking attendees examine a model of the new more than $1.8 billion. (All photos courtesy of Lam Research.) lab.
Toptana Technologies Breaks Ground On Washington Cable Station Toptana Technologies, an Indigenousowned telecommunications infrastructure company owned by the Quinault Indian Nation, announced on Sept. 2, 2026, that it broke ground on its new cable landing station on Washington’s Pacific coast. The company said it marks a significant milestone in expanding international connectivity between the Pacific Northwest and Asia-Pacific markets. The groundbreaking marks the beginning of construction on a facility designed to accommodate up to four subsea cable systems. The cable landing station will connect subsea cables with terrestrial fiber networks, providing a new gateway for international connectivity while supporting future growth in cloud computing and global data traffic. Project costs and contractors were not disclosed. The Toptana cable landing station will serve as the Washington landing point for
the Amazon Web Services (AWS)-owned Sta’O’Nuk subsea cable system, the first cable system planned for the facility. The name Sta’O’Nuk, which means “lightning serpent,” comes from the Quinault language and reflects the cultural heritage of the Quinault Indian Nation. The Nation granted AWS permission to use the name for the cable system while preserving its cultural and linguistic significance. “This groundbreaking represents an investment in the future of the Quinault Indian Nation,” said Jeff Capoeman, chairperson of Toptana Technologies’ board of directors. “Through Toptana, we’re building infrastructure that creates long-term economic opportunity while strengthening Washington’s role in the global digital economy.” Established by the Quinault Indian Nation, Toptana Technologies develops communications infrastructure that supports
Toptana Technologies logo
underserved communities while creating diverse international connectivity between the United States and Asia-Pacific markets. Assured Communications serves as Toptana’s strategic partner, program manager and operations service provider, supporting the planning, development, construction and long-term operation of the cable landing station. The Toptana cable landing station is expected to become the first new cable landing station developed in Washington state in more than 25 years. In addition to supporting the Sta’O’Nuk cable system, the facility is designed to accommodate future subsea cable systems, creating additional
opportunities for international connectivity through Washington. The Toptana cable landing station will bring new subsea infrastructure to Washington state, providing additional capacity and pathways for international connectivity as demand for cloud computing and global data traffic continues to grow. The facility also will create opportunities to support additional subsea cable systems and strengthen Washington’s role in connecting the Pacific Northwest to global markets. “Building resilient, high-capacity connectivity requires trusted infrastructure partners and a long-term commitment to the communities where that infrastructure is developed,” said David Selby, director of global network planning and acquisition, Amazon. “We’re pleased to partner with Toptana on the Sta’O’Nuk cable system and to see the Toptana cable landing station move toward construction.”
Construction Equipment Guide • Pacific Northwest Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • September 20, 2026 • Page 9
Next Issue Closes October 7th
Page 10 • September 20, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Pacific Northwest Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
I-90/SR 18 Expansion Delivers Safer, Smoother Travel EXPANSION from page 1
Further improvements involved optimizing the traffic signal timing for maximum efficiency, installing “no U-turn” signs, and adding “thru traffic keep left” signs to prevent congestion and keep drivers in the proper lanes for their destinations. In addition to the interchange upgrade, two miles of SR 18 were widened between Deep Creek and I-90, creating two lanes of traffic in each direction to improve flow. New guardrails and traffic loops were also installed. Infrastructure Upgrades In addition to traffic flow improvements, the project encompassed significant upgrades and additions to infrastructure. These included the construction of a new four-lane bridge over Lake Creek and a new two-lane bridge over Deep Creek. A complete drainage plan was implemented, and this included two culverts that enable runoff under both the eastbound on-ramp and westbound off-ramp on I-90, according to the WSDOT website. An old weigh station near the westbound I-90 on-ramp was removed, and a top layer of asphalt was added to the entire project area. Environmental Improvements Environmental factors were considered in the scope of this project; the two new bridges referenced above are key examples. The bridge designs allow fish to pass under SR 18 at both Deep Creek and Lake Creek. The new system restored access to 13 mi. of stream habitat which is essential for salmon, steelhead and other species. The bridges also allow wildlife to pass safely under the highway without encountering traffic. The project enhanced the Deep Creek watershed, opening access to 11.2 mi. of stream habitat, .75 acres of spawning territory, and 2.34 acres of rearing habitat, according to the WSDOT website. Final Stage The project commenced in 2022 with the first phase of construction breaking ground in April of 2023. All work is
Before and after shots of roadwork
The traffic interchange at the juncture of Interstate 90/State Route 18 was converted to a diverging diamond pattern.
expected to be completed in the coming weeks. The final stages of paving were delayed due to inclement weather, but starting in April, three extended weekend closures enabled crews to apply a top layer of asphalt. As of May 11, all lanes of east and westbound SR 18 between Southeast 104th Street and Deep Creek have been paved, along with the eastbound I-90 off-ramp. The double westbound on- and off-ramp at the interchange of SR 18 and I-90 were among the last items to be completed. In addition, the right-turning ramps in that section of the roadway will undergo final paving in this last stage. The total project budget is $188 million; $5 million came from the Connecting Washington Transportation Package, and $183 million came from funds generated through the state gas tax, according to the WSDOT website. CEG (All photos courtesy of the Washington State Department of Transportation.)
An aerial view of the nearly complete construction
Construction Equipment Guide • Pacific Northwest Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • September 20, 2026 • Page 11
11125 SW Tonquin Road • Sherwood, Oregon 97140 503-454-0902 Email us - sales@columbiawesternmachinery.com columbiawesternmachinery.com
33345 SR 20 Oak Harbor, WA 360-675-4441
Marysville, WA 360-651-9079 www.jetcityequipment.com
Wenatchee, WA 509-888-8181
Page 12 • September 20, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Pacific Northwest Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
0% for 60 months and Zero down at signing!
11125 SW Tonquin Road Sherwood, Oregon 97140
(503) 454-0902 Email us - sales@columbiawesternmachinery.com
columbiawesternmachinery.com