When to be on the road for Fourth of July weekend

A little planning will go a long ways if you expect to be behind the wheel this holiday weekend.

The Washington State Department of Transportation believes the holiday traffic shouldn’t be as bad as a typical three-day weekend because during the summer, people are expected to leave or return with a little more flexibility than, say, on Memorial Day.

“Because the holiday is on a Friday, it’s spread out a little bit more,” said WSDOT spokesperson Barbara LaBoe. “We’re seeing some congestion predicted for Thursday, some for Friday, and then a lot on Sunday. We don’t think it’s going to be quite as heavy as a general three-day weekend.”

The best advice is really the simplest advice.

“If you can plan your trip either earlier in the morning or later in the evening, you’ve got a better chance of missing the worst of the congestion,” LaBoe said.

Here are some specifics on that. For those of you taking I-5 between Tacoma and Olympia, southbound I-5 is going to be slammed on Thursday from 10 a.m. to at least 6 p.m. Friday will be rough from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you’re coming back on that stretch on Monday, expect a bad drive from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The next worst drive will be for those of you headed over Snoqualmie Pass on I-90. Thursday is a no-go eastbound from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Avoid the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. window on Friday.

The return home on Sunday via westbound I-90 will be a nightmare between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday is a better bet.

“Give yourself plenty of time,” LaBoe said. “Lots of people like to get out and enjoy the holidays. Give yourself extra time so that you’re not rushing to get there.”

Be sure to have plenty of supplies in your car. It is going to be hot and you don’t want to be stuck in a miles-long backup without anything to drink. Be sure your car is prepared, too.