The Washington State Department of Transportation reminds people preparing for holly jolly festivities this season to plan now for winter weather and expect delays while traveling on state highways, waterways or railways.
One way to help ensure holiday magic isn’t dimmed by delays is to “know before you go” by consulting the Washington State Department of Transportation’s popular travel charts to determine best times to travel, including times to avoid if possible. The Interstate 5 Canadian border forecast is not included due to unreliable pandemic travel data the last several years. Travel charts are based on 2019 pre-pandemic volumes.
The agency provides several tools to help prepare for winter travels – whether by vehicle, foot or sleigh:
- Look up real-time travel conditions for state highways or ferry routes online using the WSDOT website or track it on the WSDOT mobile app.
- Follow WSDOT’s social media accounts, such as Twitter and Facebook for updates on potential crashes or road closures.
- Pre-program 530 AM and 1610 AM to vehicle radios for highway advisory radio alerts.
- Carry chains and other winter travel essentials.
- Check the WSDOT mountain passes webpage for information on pass updates or the latest chain or traction tire requirements. The Washington State Patrol has more information about traction tire regulations and chain alternatives.
- Leave extra time for holiday and winter travel, slow down, leave extra space between vehicles when driving on snow or ice and watch for bicyclists or those using crosswalks.
- Sign up for area-specific news about road closures or incidents, whether close to home or areas that are part of holiday travel plans.
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