We did this for the Fourth of July and it was our most popular I Wonder topic yet, so we're doing it again.
In order to avoid backups like that 27-mile, three-hour monstrosity that jammed up I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass Memorial Day, the Washington State Department of Transportation has come up with a handy chart showing the peak travel times during the holiday weekend on I-90, I-5 south of Olympia through Lewis County, US 2 and I-5 at the Canadian Border.
But if you haven't left for your destination by the time you read this, you'll probably end up in some kind of backup. WSDOT says traffic builds after Thursday morning and may not clear out until Tuesday.
Our attached slide show has WSDOT charts of what drivers can expect in those trouble areas. What's interesting to note is that WSDOT's predicted Labor Day traffic congestion extends to Tuesday and Wednesday on I-5.
If you don't see a highway listed on a certain day, that means WSDOT does not expect significant backups.
Another hot spot is the ferry terminals. If you want to make sure you get where you want to go, make an advanced reservation. Some ferry runs are nearly booked even before the weekend begins. You're also encouraged to travel during off-peak times.
Most public transit systems will be on a holiday schedule.
For updates anytime on the commute, visit our traffic section. If you're not near a computer, you can call 5-1-1.
WSDOT also announced Monday it has added an app for the iPhone and Android phones. It includes ferry schedules and travel alerts, traffic cameras, travel times and border wait times.
AAA is predicting nearly 10 percent more holiday travelers this Labor Day.
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