WSDOT Plan ahead for a busy Fourth of July travel weekend

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) cautions travelers to prepare for a busy Fourth of July weekend, predicting heavy traffic and delays. This year, WSDOT will not issue holiday travel charts due to the absence of historical vehicle volume data, prompting travelers to rely on online tools and resources for planning. Anticipated traffic peaks will occur on July 3-4, with significant return congestion expected on July 6-7. Most highway construction will pause during the holiday weekend to help ease congestion, though travelers should remain vigilant for lane shifts and work zones that may still be active. Ferry services will also experience increased demand, with longer wait times for vehicle boarding.

The agency encourages pre-programming vehicle radios for advisory alerts and identifying safety rest areas beforehand. WSDOT's updated data retention schedule aims to enhance future holiday travel forecasting. Travelers should expect delays as crews respond to incidents or conduct emergency repairs.