Advisory: Know before you go this Labor Day weekend

For most, the first day of school is a few days off. But doing a bit of homework this week could make your travel on the last few days of summer just a bit more enjoyable.

September 1, 2009 3:17 pm

For most, the first day of school is a few days off. But doing a bit of homework this week could make your travel on the last few days of summer just a bit more enjoyable.

WSDOT offers many ways to know before you go this Labor Day weekend. You can find them on its Web site, www.wsdot.wa.gov, and the 24-hour traveler information line, 511.

WSDOT posted the times and places drivers are likely to see higher-than average summertime traveler delays during the Labor Day weekend on U.S. 2, I-90, I-5 at the Canadian Border and I-5 south of Olympia through Lewis County at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Congestion/LaborDay/2009/. Please remember, traffic incidents or adverse weather can result in traffic congestionoutside the hours shown.

Work at most construction project sites around the state will move off the highway from noon Friday until Tuesday morning. Drivers should be prepared for shifted lanes, roadway detours and reduced speed zones in places.

The following are additional areas where motorists may encounter delays over the holiday weekend:

Washington State Ferries

• The WSDOT Ferries Division reminds travelers to allow extra time for ferry travel over the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend. The longest backups are expected to occur Friday afternoon and evening, Sept. 4; Sunday afternoon and evening, Sept. 6; and Monday morning, Sept. 7. Waits and advance arrival recommendations vary by route. Travelers needing specific information can check the Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries.

Southwest Washington:

• There is a single-lane closure on southbound I-5 between Castle Rock and Kelso (milepost 46).

• A temporary traffic signal will be operating throughout the weekend on SR 4 near Skamokawa (mp 42).

Eastern Washington:

• On Thursday, Sept. 3, crews will be working overnight in both direction of I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass. They will be off the roadway by 6 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 4.

• The speed limit on 10-mile stretch 2/97 north of East Wenatchee to Orondo is reduced from 60 mph to 50 mph.

• One mile of the truck climbing lane is closed on the south side of U.S. 97 Blewett Pass near Bonanza Campground.

• There is a 35-mph speed limit on the SR 285 George Sellar Bridge between Wenatchee and East Wenatchee. The bridge also is closed to pedestrians.

Trains

• Amtrak Cascades is very popular on holiday weekends. Travelers are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and arrive early at the

station for departure. Visit www.amtrakcascades.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL for more information.

Aviation

• The 16 state-operated airports are open for the season. To check the status of state-operated airports, visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/airports/Amenities.htm or call 1-800-552-0666.

WSDOT Aviation encourages pilots to check with their local Flight Service Station for current Notices to Airmen and temporary flight

restriction status before each flight. To contact the Flight Service Station, please call 1-800-WX-BRIEF. Temporary flight restriction

information is available at: airspace.nifc.gov/mapping/nifc/index.cfm.

Buses

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