Date:
Friday, December 17, 2010
Contact:
Contact: Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications, 360-705-7080 (Olympia)
OLYMPIA – It’s always the weather.
If the weather’s nice, that is, more people travel. And with AAA expecting close to 3 percent more drivers for Christmas 2010, a calm-weather weekend could bring out even more, including those who stayed home during the Thanksgiving holiday.
For the snow-filled Thanksgiving holiday weekend 2010, 33 percent fewer drivers traveled over Snoqualmie Pass and 45 percent fewer crossed Stevens Pass compared to mild Thanksgiving 2009.
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews and equipment are ready. Drivers should be prepared, check travel and roadway conditions on WSDOT website and pack their winter weather supplies, including tire chains.
Forecasts call for fairly typical December weather as we get close to year’s end, so those heading out need to prepare for winter and pack their patience when traveling on major highway routes.
Those starting their holiday travels early could face challenging conditions in the Columbia River Gorge. Forecasted heavy snow combined with windy conditions Saturday could create slick conditions and reduced visibility due to blowing and drifting snow.
Weather experts do say they expect continued wet weather, with snow in the mountains. But radar hasn’t picked up any storms similar to Thanksgiving weekend. Please check local weather reports and the WSDOT website before you travel. For winter driving tips, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter.
Based on historical data, WSDOT expects the following travel factors Dec. 23-26:
I-90 Snoqualmie Pass
- When Christmas falls on a weekend, travel over I-90 Snoqualmie Pass is close to 40 percent greater than a typical December weekend.
- Traffic could get congested on westbound I-90 from 3-6 p.m. Sunday.
US 2 Stevens Pass
- Travel over US 2 Stevens Pass will remain near average for a December weekend with increased traffic all day Sunday, Dec. 26.
I-5 Olympia to Tacoma
- Drivers can expect congestion southbound I-5 Thursday, Dec. 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Similar congestion is expected northbound Sunday, Dec. 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The I-5 Bellingham-to-Canadian
- Possible congestion on northbound I-5 from 3-6 p.m. Thursday, (Dec. 23).
Collisions caused by drivers who are unprepared for winter weather cause delays for everyone. Just one traffic collision or disabled vehicle can backup traffic for miles during already-congested holiday weekends.
To give travelers a break from construction delays, work at most road construction sites around the state will move off the highway by noon Thursday, Dec. 23. Drivers should be prepared for shifted lanes, detours and reduced-speed zones.
‘Know before you go’
WSDOT offers several ways to get up-to-date traffic and construction information from our website before you leave home or the office.
On the road
- Overhead and roadside electronic signs provide emergency and incident alerts and, in some Seattle-area locations during rush hours, point-to-point travel times.
- Highway advisory radio allows drivers to tune in to hear updates when the flashing lights along the highway are activated.
Amtrak Rail Services
All Amtrak Cascades trains require reservations, and passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets early to obtain lowest fares. Visit www.AmtrakCascades.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for reservations and information.
Washington State Ferries (WSF)
Check http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/ for more information.
Aviation
To check the status of state-operated airports, visit the state aviation website www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/ or call 800-552-0666. WSDOT Aviation encourages pilots to check with their local Flight Service Station before each flight for current the Notice to Airmen and temporary flight restriction status. To contact the Flight Service Station, please call 800-WX-BRIEF (800-992-7433). Temporary flight restriction information is available at http://airspace.nifc.gov/mapping/nifc/index.cfm.
Public Transportation
Check with your local transit agency www.wsdot.wa.gov/choices/bus for more information.
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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 511.
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