There are apps, websites, planning tools, even reservations to help out. But the best thing you can do to plan for Memorial Day weekend travel is just … be … patient.
Roadways, ferry docks and border crossings are expected to be jammed like they haven’t been in more than a decade, spurred by the lowest gas prices in 11 years.
If your travels take you on U.S. 2 — notorious even in off years for its inching lines of returning RVs and minivans — consider coming home a day earlier or later.
Here’s a roundup of other hints and tips.
Roadway alerts
If you’re headed to Moses Lake or sunny points east, be aware that eastbound I-90 traffic over the Vantage Bridge will be down to one lane. Loads wider than 14 feet are prohibited in both directions.
The Highway 520 bridge toll will be on holiday rates. The I-405 express toll lanes will be open to all, with no carpool requirement or fees charged.
Two people were killed on roadways last Memorial Day. The Washington State Patrol will have extra troopers out and aircraft watching for drunken, aggressive and otherwise unsafe drivers. Designate sober drivers if your fun involves alcohol.
Ferry lines
Ferries are expected to see long lines. Reservations are strongly recommended for the Anacortes-to-San Juan Islands, Anacortes-to-Sidney, B.C., and Port Townsend-to-Coupeville routes. Reservations may be made at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Ferries/TakeaFerry, or call 888-808-7977.
There’s also a “best travel times tool” on the Washington State Ferries website, at www.wsdot.com/ferries/schedule.
Best travel times
The Washington State Department of Transportation predicts the best times to travel on major corridors, based on historical trends. The estimates assume no crashes or nasty weather, of course.
What follows below are the best estimates for hitting “light traffic” coming home Monday. Find the full list of best times for Friday through Monday at www.wsdot.wa.gov/congestion/MemorialDay/2016.
I-90 westbound Cle Elum to North Bend: 4-7 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
U.S. 2 westbound Leavenworth to Stevens Pass: 4-8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
I-5 north Olympia to Tacoma: 4-8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
I-5 south Canadian border to Bellingham: 4-8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
Have a question? Email us at streetsmarts@heraldnet.com. Please include your first and last name and city of residence. Look for updates on the Street Smarts blog.
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