Date:
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Contact:
Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 705-7080 (Olympia)
OLYMPIA – A weekday holiday combined with warmer weather could mean traffic backups for travelers Friday, Sunday and next weekend, Saturday, July 7 and Sunday, July 8.
With the Fourth of July holiday falling on a Wednesday this year, WSDOT historical traffic counts find congestion peaks on mountain pass highways, I-5 and coastal routes the Sunday before and both the Saturday and Sunday following the holiday.
With summer weather finally arriving in Western Washington, and gas prices dropping, AAA Washington has said drivers could also see heavy traffic on Friday, June 29.
WSDOT advises drivers to save time and frustration by planning ahead. Historical data indicates the best time to travel is Saturday, June 30 or Monday, July 2. Following the holiday, WSDOT advises drivers to avoid mid-day travel Saturday, July 7 and Sunday, July 8.
In previous years, road conditions have shown to be slightly higher than a typical summer weekend, with peak volumes Sunday, July 8.
The I-5 Express Lanes through Seattle will operate on a typical schedule. They will be southbound in the morning and northbound in the evening. The exception: The I-5 Express Lanes will operate on a weekend schedule for the Fourth with extended northbound service: southbound 7 a.m.-noon Wednesday, and northbound 1 p.m. Wednesday to 4 a.m. Thursday morning.
Washington State Ferries is expecting to be busy this July 4th as many locals and tourists attend the various fireworks displays from Lopez Island to Point Defiance. Washington State Ferries customers should remember that security measures require the ferry crew to clear the vessels at each port. WSF urges those hoping to watch fireworks from the deck of a ferry to consider other viewing options such as on shore, or near the ferry terminal. For more information on Washington State Ferries Plan for Busy Fourth of July, visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/
WSDOT Incident Response and roadway maintenance crews do not take holidays. We will have crews available to clear roads and help drivers with disabled vehicles. The WSDOT web site, 5-1-1 travel information hotline and media reports will also be available to those at home and on the road.
Don’t forget to pack your laptop computer and wireless card. Twenty-four of WSDOT's 42 Safety Rest Areas on travel routes such as I-5 and I-90, offer travelers wireless Internet access www.wsdot.wa.gov/biz/restareas/wifi.htm. There is no charge for accessing road conditions, travel updates, and any other information offered on WSDOT’s web site. Want to check your email or quickly upload your digital pictures to an on-line gallery? A small fee of $2.95 allows you surf the web for 15 minutes.
Know before you go:
*Visit www.wsdot.wa.gov for up to date traffic conditions and links to possible heavy traffic data
*For online pass reports, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes
*To check the weather visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/weather
Prepare for driving conditions
*Allow more time to travel
*Fill your gas tank prior to driving over the pass
*Check fluid levels such as antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and motor oil *Check tire pressure, lights, battery and wiper blades
*Keep a safe driving distance
*Make sure your cell phone battery is fully charged
*Carry food and water in case you get delayed in a remote area
*Visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/ for more information
Know on the road
*Call 511 for current traffic and weather information
*Watch for electronic messages on signs above the highway
*Tune into highway radio advisory messages on AM 530 and AM 1610
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