Date:
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Contact:
Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 705-7080 (Olympia)/(360) 789-4035 - mobile.
OLYMPIA – As drivers gear up for one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, WSDOT's website is ready to offer the latest travel information.
Know Before you Go/Travel Information
WSDOT would like to remind motorists to check for the latest road and weather conditions before setting out on their trip. Check out the traffic and roads at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic.
Drivers can also get traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass condition, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
What Motorists Can Do
WSDOT encourages motorists to prepare for safe winter travel. Weather reports indicate snowfall on the mountain pass highways tonight, Wednesday and throughout the holiday weekend. WSDOT will be out clearing roads and helping drivers. Winter driving safety improves when motorists:
• Allow extra travel time.
• Know the current road conditions - call 5-1-1 or visit WSDOT’s traveler website www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/
• Be prepared. Fill the gas tank, and check the levels of other fluids such as windshield washer fluid, anti-freeze and motor oil. Check tires, lights, car battery and wiper blades. Check cell phones.
• Carry water, food, blankets, first aid kits, medications, jumper cables, cat litter or sand, a shovel, ice scraper, warm clothes, flashlights and extra batteries.
• Listen to radio reports for advisory information. Tune radio to 530 AM or 1610 AM for roadway conditions.
• Wear seat belts and make sure all passengers also “buckle up.”
For more safe winter driving tips, visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter.
Snoqualmie Pass
To help plan your Thanksgiving Weekend travel, WSDOT has charted the typical traffic pattern based on historical data. Drivers can see when the peak travel days and times have been and can make informed decisions on when they should travel to avoid long delays. The information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/thanksgiving.
Mountain Pass Season Closures
Information on all Washington's mountain pass highways is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/. North Cascades Highway (SR 20 from milepost 134-170), Cayuse Pass and Chinook Pass are closed for the season.
Snohomish Shopping
Washington State Patrol and WSDOT have teamed up to provide information about holiday travel in the Snohomish County area. The information is available at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Northwest/Snohomish/Holidaytraffic.htm
State Highways
The deluge of rain and high water caused closures on sections of nearly 20 state highways in Western Washington. WSDOT crews have been battling the water non-stop since Nov. 6. WSDOT will provide frequent updates to www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/weather/updates as conditions change.
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