Date:  Friday, August 27, 2010

Contact: Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 705-7080 (Olympia)

OLYMPIA – Full gas tank? Check. Beach blanket? Check. Swim suit? Check. Golf clubs? Check. Traffic conditions? Huh?

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is ready to help. Don’t leave home this Labor Day weekend without the tools to avoid backups on one of the busiest summer weekends.

AAA projects close to 10 percent more Labor Day holiday travelers this year, so WSDOT encourages drivers to prepare and “know before you go.”

WSDOT lists on its website the times and places drivers will likely see Labor Day weekend delays, including US 2, I-90, I-5 at the Canadian Border and I-5 south of Olympia through Lewis County.

WSDOT predicts significantly better travel times in most areas on Wednesday or Thursday morning and on Tuesday, Sept. 7. Work at most construction sites around the state will move off the highways for Labor Day weekend. Even so, drivers should watch for shifted lanes, detours and reduced-speed zones.

WSDOT offers many ways to know before you go:

• Dial 511 – This driver information phone line provides current traffic, incident and closure information. TTY users can call 800-833-6388. Out-of-state callers can access the information at 800-695-ROAD (7623).
• On WSDOT’s travel website, www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic, drivers can see information such as camera images and maps showing highway incidents and closures.
• Go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/inform to see how WSDOT is using new tools to provide traveler information on social media (Twitter, Facebook) and for mobile devices. You can also sign up for specialized e-mail alerts.

On the road, WSDOT provides real-time traffic updates on overhead and roadside, electronic signs and on Highway Advisory Radio on AM channels 530 and 1610.

Travelers should also be aware:

• Washington State Ferries expects heavy holiday weekend. Ferry riders should consider traveling during off-peak times or prepare to wait, and they should check the schedules and ferry information on the Washington State Ferries’ website at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries or by calling toll-free at 888-808-7977.
• Amtrak Cascades is very popular on holiday weekends. Travelers are advised to purchase tickets in advance and arrive at the station early. Visit www.amtrakcascades.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for more information.
• Most public transit systems will follow a holiday schedule and some transit systems will not operate fixed route or Dial-A-Ride service on Labor Day. Check with your local transit agency for more information.
• Washington’s 16 state-operated airports are open for the season. To check the status of state-operated airports, visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/airports/Amenities.htm or call 800-552-0666. WSDOT Aviation encourages pilots to check with their local Flight Service Station for current Notices to Airmen and temporary flight restriction status before each flight. To contact the Flight Service Station, please call 800-WX-BRIEF. Temporary flight restriction information is available at: http://airspace.nifc.gov/mapping/nifc/index.cfm.

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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 5-1-1.

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