During Labor Day weekend, DRIVERS should EXPECT THE HEAVIEST TRAFFIC ON Interstate 5 BETWEEN LACEY AND TACOMA.IN THE NORTH SOUND, II-5 BETWEEN BELLINGHAM AND BR
Travelers hitting the road for Labor Day weekend should prepare for plenty of company.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is warning of heavier traffic and congestion across the state during the holiday weekend, with busy conditions expected on highways, ferries and other transportation systems.
"We're just encouraging folks to plan ahead," said Tina Werner with WSDOT. "It's going to be busy."
WSDOT is urging travelers to stay alert and allow extra time to reach their destinations.
Some of the heaviest highway traffic is expected along four routes that historically see significant holiday congestion:
- U.S. 2 between Skykomish and Stevens Pass
- Interstate 90 between North Bend and Cle Elum
- Interstate 5 between Lacey and Tacoma
- I-5 between Bellingham and the Canadian border
Most highway construction will be paused beginning Friday to help keep holiday traffic moving, although drivers should still expect delays in popular travel areas. The Revive I-5 work zone over Seattle's Ship Canal Bridge will remain in place.
Werner, who puts together traffic forecast data for WSDOT, said drivers using I-5 will likely see some of the biggest backups over the holiday weekend.
All lanes of I-90 across the Vantage Bridge will also be open from Friday through Labor Day on Monday to accommodate congestion. The bridge will return to one lane in each direction beginning Tuesday as work resumes.
Travelers taking a Washington State Ferry should also prepare for crowds and potentially longer waits. WSDOT expects some of the busiest vehicle sailings heading west or onto islands Friday, with heavier eastbound traffic or traffic leaving islands Sunday and Monday. Reservations are strongly encouraged on routes where they are available.
Drivers are also encouraged to check current traffic conditions, cameras, weather and travel alerts before leaving.
WSDOT has published Labor Day travel charts showing the projected best and worst times to travel on I-5, I-90, and U.S. 2 based on traffic patterns from previous holiday weekends.
