Date:
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Contact:
Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 705-7080 (Olympia)/(360) 789-4035 - mobile
OLYMPIA – With recovery from recent storms still fresh on the mind, many will hit the roads this weekend to visit family and friends for the holidays.
WSDOT crews are still out clearing roads and Incident Response Teams are out helping drivers. Extra Incident Response Teams will remain on duty throughout the holiday weekend to provide assistance. Travelers may also see WSDOT crews working at rest areas. The I-5/Maytown and Scatter Creek rest areas in Thurston County are open, but power remains out. Crews expect power to be restored Saturday.
With Christmas Day falling on a Monday, WSDOT expects increased travel on state highways beginning Thursday and through much of the weekend. Using data from previous Christmas holiday weekends, traffic analysts determined the heaviest and lightest travel times in locations on I-5, I-90 on Snoqualmie Pass and US 2 Stevens Pass.
For I-90, WSDOT warns drivers to expect heavy traffic:
Eastbound I-90 on Saturday, Dec. 23 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. On Tuesday, Dec. 26 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. eastbound, and between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. westbound.
The predictions are based on clear driving conditions, and heavy snowfall could result in moderate to heavy traffic outside the predicted times. For more information visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/holiday/I90.
WSDOT analysts reviewed historic holiday traffic data on I-5 from Seattle to Portland.
WSDOT warns drivers to expect heavy traffic on I-5:
- Friday, Dec. 22 between noon and 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 23 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 24 between noon and 5 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 25 between noon and 8 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 26 between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
US 2 Stevens Pass peak, pre-holiday travel day is Saturday, Dec. 23. This area experiences an increase in traffic volume between Christmas and New Year’s Day, with peak travel (double the average) on Dec. 26, 29 and 30.
Weather-related road closures, weather and traffic conditions are changing rapidly. For the most up-to-the-minute highway status, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/weather/updates.
What can drivers do?
It is important that we remind drivers that there are many ways to get information and avoid traffic delays. Drivers should plan ahead, check real-time traffic map and pay attention to the signs along the way. If you can, consider alternate routes or adjusting your driving schedule to avoid the worst traffic.
Know before you go and on the road:
- Visit WSDOT’s Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic
- Mountain pass reports are on the WSDOT web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes
- Drivers with web service on their cellular phones and PDAs can access small-screen traffic and pass updates at www.wsdot.wa.gov/small
- Winter driving tips such as the following are available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter. Drive slower during traction advisories, 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.
- Call 5-1-1 - This driver information phone line provides real-time traffic, incident and closure information. WSDOT advises people to keep trying if they receive a busy signal.
- Overhead and roadside electronic signs - Emergency and incident alerts and, in some Seattle-area locations during rush hours, point-to-point travel times
- Highway advisory radio - Yellow signs with flashing lights alert drivers to tune into radio frequencies airing construction updates. Tune to the radio messages on AM 530 and AM 1610
- “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.
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