Date:
Monday, December 18, 2006
Contact:
Mike Westbay, Communications Manager, office: (509) 577-1617 (Yakima)
cell: (509) 728-4712
Meagan McFadden, WSDOT Communications, office: (509) 577-1618 (Yakima)
cell: (509) 654-0697
YAKIMA- WSDOT traffic engineers have once again charted the typical I-90 Snoqualmie Pass traffic pattern, this time for Christmas. Right now, traffic engineers are predicting moderate to heavy traffic at times on Saturday and Tuesday, but not to the point that will create long traffic delays.
WSDOT traffic experts used travel statistics from previous Christmas holiday weekends to determine the best travel times. The predictions are based on clear driving conditions, and heavy snowfall could result in moderate to heavy traffic outside the predicted times.
To make informed decisions before you head out, visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/holiday/I90
The Thanksgiving Holiday numbers are in and WSDOT is pleased to announce that a significant number of drivers traveled over I-90 Snoqualmie Pass during off-peak hours and avoided potentially long delays and backups. Before the Thanksgiving holiday, WSDOT published the best times to travel over Snoqualmie Pass, and drivers took our advice.
WSDOT will again use the website to inform motorists about suggested times to travel over Snoqualmie Pass as well as changes in weather patterns.
What WSDOT is doing:
· WSDOT offers several ways to get up-to-date traffic information before you leave your home or office from our Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov.
· On a new, updated winter website, www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter, drivers can find links to all kinds of winter driving-related information including preparing a vehicle for winter driving, a list of winter emergency kit items, safe driving tips and information on mountain pass travel advisories.
· Drivers can access WSDOT’s mountain pass report line information via the Web at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes.
· Also new this year, drivers with web service on their cellular phones and PDAs can access small-screen I-90 pass updates at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/small by clicking on the "mountain pass reports" link.
What drivers can do:
· “Drivers need to be cautious when there is compact snow and ice and sometimes driving at posted speed limits is too fast for the roadway conditions,” said Sgt. Ed McAvoy with the Washington State Patrol.
· Drive slower during traction advisories
· Call 511 for current traffic and weather information
· Tune to highway advisory radio messages on AM 530 and AM 1610
· Prepare for winter driving conditions
· Allow more time to travel
· Fill the gas tank
· Check fluid levels - antifreeze - windshield washer fluid - motor oil
· Check tire pressure - lights - battery and wiper blades
· Make sure your cell phone battery is fully charged
· Take warm clothes and a blankets so you can turn the car off and still stay warm
· Carry food and water in case you get delayed in a remote area
· During traction advisories - don't use cruise control - don't use the overdrive setting on an automatic transmission these give you less control and take longer to slow down.
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