Date:
Monday, November 21, 2005
Contact:
Jamie Holter, Public Information Officer, (206) 440-4472 (Seattle)
In a full-court press before the Thanksgiving holiday week, Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste joined forces with Governor Christine Gregoire and Transportation Secretary Doug MacDonald to hammer home the Thanksgiving week travel message.
“We need your help. Please avoid traveling across the Cascades this holiday week,” said Chief Batiste at a news conference Friday at the top of Snoqualmie Pass.
If the worst scenario plays out and no one changes their plans, WSDOT engineers are predicting 30-mile backups that could leave travelers sitting in traffic for several hours.
Chief Batiste acknowledged some folks can’t change their plans, so he urged those who are committed to traveling to be prepared. “Fill your gas tank, check your tires, bring water, food and blankets. The weather looks good now, but we all know things can change quickly at the pass. We want everyone to be safe this holiday.”
WSP, WSDOT and the Department of Emergency Services are hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. They spent Monday working out plans to get emergency services to the pass if need be. Those services include everything from first aid vehicles to emergency shelters to portable toilets.
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