Expect heavy traffic region-wide during Memorial Day weekend
May 26, 2016, 9:20 AM | Updated: 1:24 pm
If you haven’t already planned the route to your Memorial Day weekend destination, it may be important to observe the tips from the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Travelers should expect heavier-than-usual traffic around Puget Sound and beyond. In order for drivers to avoid congestion on the roads, KIRO Radio’s Candy Harper suggests leaving early in the morning or later in the day.
Check the current traffic conditions
WSDOT expects I-5 south of Seattle to be slammed from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday. Eastbound I-90 will likely be backed up between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In order to reduce the guaranteed weekend traffic on major roads, WSDOT is suspending most state highway construction work. One noticeable exception will be the Vantage Bridge on I-90, where eastbound drivers will experience delays due to around-the-clock single-lane closures.
Express toll lane rates will be altered for the weekend. The I-405 toll lanes will be free and open to all drivers. The 520 bridge toll will be on holiday rates.
Ferry passengers should also expect longer lines. Reservations are recommended for the Anacortes/San Juan Islands, Anacortes/Sidney, British Columbia and Port Townsend/Coupeville ferry routes.
People trying to avoid the roads by traveling via train or other methods should also plan ahead. Amtrak passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets early. Most public transit systems will follow a holiday schedule.
