The holiday season brings many things, from snow to family time, from shorter days to time off work. But it also brings a lot of traffic on Washington state highways.
In fact, Thanksgiving week brings notoriously high levels of traffic each year.
Paired with the massive impacts of the bomb cyclone that hit western Washington, anyone traveling can expect rough roads ahead.
Here’s what we know about Thanksgiving week travel in Washington state.
Traveling in WA on Thanksgiving
Drivers on Washington state highways can expect heavy traffic and delays on major routes, including I-90, US-2 and I-5, according to a recent press release from the Washington State Department of Transportation.
To alleviate the added stress on roadways, most construction projects are paused over the four-day weekend. However, more travelers means a higher risk of roadway emergencies or crashes, which would further delay travel time.
Some routes are closed for the season, including State Routes 410 and 123. State Route 20, or the North Cascades Highway, is closed between the Ross Dam trailhead and the Silver Star Gate, according to WSDOT.
Additional closures may occur. Before leaving for any trip, check WSDOT’s Real Time Travel Map to see current closures and traffic patterns.
WSDOT also releases charts before each Thanksgiving showing the anticipated peaks in travel demand on several popular routes:
Wednesday, Nov. 27
- I-5 between Lacey and Tacoma Northbound: Expect congestion from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m.
- I-5 between Tacoma and Lacey Southbound: Expect congestion from 8 a.m. through 7 p.m.
- I-90 between North Bend and Cle Elum Eastbound: Expect congestion from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m.
- I-90 between Cle Elum and North Bend Westbound: Expect congestion from noon through 4 p.m.
- I-5 between Bellingham and the Canadian Border Northbound: Expect congestion from 11 a.m through 7 p.m.
- I-5 between the Canadian Border and Bellingham Southbound: Expect congestion around 1 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 28
- I-5 between Lacey and Tacoma Northbound: Expect congestion from 6 to 8 a.m., and from noon to 6 p.m.
- I-5 between Tacoma and Lacey Southbound: Expect congestion from 7 a.m. through 6 p.m.
- I-5 between Bellingham and the Canadian Border Northbound: Expect congestion from 2 to 6 p.m.
- I-5 between the Canadian Border and Bellingham Southbound: Expect congestion from 7 a.m through noon
While other routes may see more traffic than normal, these routes are expecting the most congestion.
No matter what route you’re taking this Thanksgiving, WSDOT recommends heading out early and coming back late, if possible.
Preparing for weather on WA roads
WSDOT wants to remind drivers that weather conditions can impact traffic as well.
According to the current forecasts from the National Weather Service, there is a chance of rain and snow around the Wenatchee area in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Only rain is in the forecast around Seattle and Olympia.
There is also a chance of rain around southeast Washington, and a chance of rain and snow in eastern Oregon. Those headed toward the Portland area may also encounter rain or snow in the days ahead of Thanksgiving.
Chain and tire requirements are in effect on the west side of the state. Practice installing your chains before hitting the road.
