Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)

What is the WSDOT Event Permit Agreement?

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) controls the statemaintained highway system. When any private or public event uses, alters, or impacts a state highway corridorwhether it is a street fair, marathon, concert, construction activity, or temporary closurea formal agreement with WSDOT is required. The Event Permit Agreement (EPA) sets the legal and safety obligations for the event organizer and ensures that the highway remains safe and functional for the public.

Who Must Obtain an EPA?

An EPA is required when an event:

• Blocks, narrows, or redirects traffic on a statemaintained road.
• Places equipment, signage, or structures on or abutting the highway rightofway.
• Creates temporary lane changes, detours, or speedlimit modifications.
• Involves work on WSDOTowned bridges, tunnels, or related infrastructure.

Typical applicants include municipalities, event promoters, nonprofits, schools, and private companies. If you are unsure, contact the regional WSDOT office for clarification.

Application Process

1. PreApplication Consultation Meet with a WSDOT traffic management specialist to discuss feasibility, timing, and preliminary requirements.
2. Complete the EPA Form Provide detailed information on location, dates, expected attendance, traffic control plans, insurance, and emergency procedures.
3. Submit Supporting Documents Include site maps, traffic impact analyses, construction drawings, and proof of insurance.
4. Review and Comment Period WSDOT will review the submission, request revisions, and may conduct a site inspection.
5. Permit Issuance Once approved, you will receive a signed EPA, a copy of the traffic control plan, and any conditional requirements.
6. PostEvent Closeout Submit a closeout report confirming that the highway has been restored to its original condition.

The entire process can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days, depending on the complexity of the event.

Key Requirements and Obligations

Traffic Control

All traffic control measures must align with the Washington State Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). This includes the use of:

• Approved signage and pavement markings
• Qualified flaggers or traffic controllers (certified by the Washington State Patrol)
• Pedestrian detour routes where applicable

Safety and Security

Event organizers must develop a Safety & Security Plan that addresses:

• Emergency access for fire, EMS, and police
• Crowd control and evacuation procedures
• Communication protocols with WSDOT and local authorities

Insurance

The EPA mandates a minimum of:

• General liability coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence
• Automobile liability coverage of $500,000 per occurrence
• Workers compensation as required by Washington law

Certificates of insurance must name the Washington State Department of Transportation as an additional insured.

Restoration & Cleanup

After the event, the permit holder is responsible for restoring the rightofway to its original condition, including:

• Removal of all equipment, debris, and temporary structures
• Repair of any pavement damage or landscaping
• Reinstallation of standard signage and markings

Fees and Payments

WSDOT charges fees based on the scope of the work and the anticipated impact on traffic. Typical fee categories include:

All fees must be paid before the permit can be issued. Payment is accepted via check, ACH, or credit card through the WSDOT online portal.

Contact Information

For questions, preapplication meetings, or to submit a permit request, contact your regional WSDOT office:

• Northwest Region Phone: (206) 5550100  |  Email: northwest.permits@wsdot.wa.gov
• Southwest Region Phone: (360) 5550200  |  Email: southwest.permits@wsdot.wa.gov
• Central Region Phone: (509) 5550300  |  Email: central.permits@wsdot.wa.gov
• General Inquiries Phone: 1800WSDOT01 (18009736801)  |  Online Form: wsdot.wa.gov/permitting/event-permit