UPDATE: The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is warning travelers of heightened road congestion as Thanksgiving approaches. With an expected surge in holiday traffic, roads are set to fill up quickly as people leave town for Thanksgiving Day on November 28, 2023.
WSDOT confirms that no construction is scheduled on I-90 on both Thursday and Friday, allowing for smoother travel across the mountains. However, drivers should be prepared for heavy traffic on Snoqualmie Pass, especially heading eastbound on November 26 and 27, and westbound on November 28 and 29.
To ease the burden on drivers, the SR 167 and I-405 express toll lanes will be free and open to all drivers on Thanksgiving Day. This move is expected to help alleviate some of the anticipated traffic jams.
Additionally, Washington State Ferries reports that around 300,000 riders are expected over the Thanksgiving holiday period. With efforts to restore service, daily ferry departures will increase by more than 10 percent compared to previous years, but travelers are still urged to plan ahead. Reservations should be made early for routes requiring them, and passengers should be prepared for long wait times leading up to Thanksgiving and following the holiday.
In a separate but concerning update, a resident from Grays Harbor County has tragically died after contracting the H5N5 avian influenza, marking a significant health alert as this is the first recorded human infection with this variant globally. Health officials are currently investigating the case and advising precautions.
As more travelers hit the roads and ferries, WSDOT emphasizes the importance of planning ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday. Stay tuned for further updates as the travel rush unfolds.
