Date:
Friday, December 22, 2006
Contact:
Mike Westbay, Communications Manager (509) 728-4712 (mobile)
Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications (360) 789-4035 (mobile)
Meagan McFadden, WSDOT Communications (509)654-0697 (mobile)
HYAK- WSDOT Maintenance Superintendent, Les Turnley, said "The expected heavy snowfall on the pass this weekend could make holiday travel difficult". After seeing the latest weather forecast, Turnley suggests people do their cross state travel on Friday afternoon and Sunday. The combination of heavy snowfall and heavier than normal traffic on Saturday, could create long delays and back ups.
WSDOT traffic engineers have once again charted the typical I-90 Snoqualmie Pass traffic pattern. Right now, traffic engineers are predicting moderate to heavy traffic at times on Saturday and Tuesday.
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 the forecast heavy snowfall could result in delays, even temporary closures for avalanche control work or to clear spin outs and blocking incidents.
Before you go:
To make informed decisions before you head out, visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/holiday/I90
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.
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.
While on the road:
“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
Carry chains –at times, even 4 wheel drive vehicles are required to chain up
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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