Traveling somewhere this Independence Day weekend? The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) offers information and tools to keep holiday travel headaches to a minimum.
Delays:
Drivers should expect congestion and delays on Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass, US 2 over Stevens Pass, Interstate 5 near the U.S./Canadian border and I-5 between Olympia and Tacoma this weekend.
While work at most construction projects around the state will move off the highway from noon Friday, July 1, to Tuesday morning, July 5, drivers should still prepare for shifted lanes, roadway detours and reduced speed zones in places.
Drivers should expect longer-than-typical wait times at ferry docks and Canadian border crossings for most of the holiday weekend.
Washington State Ferries:
WSF is planning in advance for heavy traffic this Fourth of July holiday weekend as many locals and tourists attend the various fireworks displays in the Puget Sound region, from Lopez Island to Point Defiance. The heaviest traffic is expected westbound Thursday, June 30, and Friday, July 2, and eastbound Monday, July 4. Sailing schedules will vary by route. For more summer schedule details and other ferry system information, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries.
Local parades and festivals:
Drivers headed into Seattle on Monday, July 4, should be prepared for heavy congestion and evening lane and ramp closures on southbound I-5. Closures begin up to one hour before the fireworks show on Lake Union. At approximately 9 p.m., WSDOT crews will begin closing the following: The southbound I-5 off-ramp to Roanoke Street, the southbound I-5 on-ramp from Boylston Street, the southbound I-5 off-ramp and the exit-only lane to Mercer Street. All the ramps will be closed by 10 p.m. The ramps and lane will reopen when the fireworks show is over.
Public Transportation:
Most public transit systems will follow a holiday schedule and some transit systems will not operate fixed route or Dial-A-Ride service on holidays. Check with the local transit agency for more information.
Know before you go:
WSDOT offers many ways for all drivers to know before they go, including a website with a variety of online tools, mobile apps, and 511, the 24-hour traveler information line.
