How to avoid traffic over Labor Day weekend

Labor Day is the year’s busiest travel weekend over Snoqualmie Pass on Interstate 90, according to the state Department of Transportation, and it’s not the only location in Washington that will feel the strain of additional travelers. To ease the pain, WSDOT is offering several travel information tools to help drivers plan ahead.

Labor Day is the year’s busiest travel weekend over Snoqualmie Pass on Interstate 90, according to the state Department of Transportation, and it’s not the only location in Washington that will feel the strain of additional travelers.

To ease the pain, WSDOT is offering several travel information tools to help drivers plan ahead.

Travelers planning to hit Washington’s state highways can find information on the WSDOT website about the times and places drivers will likely see Labor Day weekend delays, including US 2, I-90, I-5 at the Canadian border and I-5 between Olympia and Tacoma.

The good news is that work at most construction sites around the state will move off the highways for Labor Day weekend.

WSDOT offers many ways to know before you go:

• Dial 511 – This driver information phone line provides current traffic, incident and closure information. TTY users can call 800-833-6388.

• On WSDOT’s travel website, drivers can see information such as camera images and maps showing highway incidents and closures.

• Go here to see how WSDOT provides traveler information on social media (Twitter, Facebook) and for mobile devices. People can also sign up for specialized email alerts.

On the road, WSDOT provides real-time traffic updates on overhead and roadside electronic signs and on Highway Advisory Radio on AM channels 530 and 1610.

Travelers should also be aware:

• Washington State Ferries expects a busy holiday weekend. Ferry riders should consider traveling during off-peak times, and they should check the schedules and ferry information on the Washington State Ferries’ website or by calling toll-free at 888-808-7977.

• Most public transit systems will follow a holiday schedule, and some transit systems will not operate fixed route or Dial-A-Ride service on Labor Day. Check with your local transit agency for more information.