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November 20, 2017 For more information: Lou Torres, 503-986-2880
11-202-R2 email at: louis.c.torres@odot.state.or.us
Travelers should plan for a safe trip
Thanksgiving, shopping, and Civil War combine for a busy I-5
CORVALLIS – Heavy congestion is expected on Interstate 5 this week in the Willamette Valley, as travelers celebrate Thanksgiving, Friday shopping, and Friday’s Civil War football game. Starting on Wednesday afternoon and continuing through Sunday, travelers should expect busy roads and record numbers of travelers, according to travel experts.
Football fans heading to the Civil War in Corvallis on Friday (1 p.m. kickoff) are reminded to leave early and allow plenty of travel time. Pack your patience, make sure your vehicle is in good working order, and take emergency supplies you might need. Football fans approaching the Woodburn Interchange (Exit 271) should stay in the left lanes to avoid any potential shopping traffic that might be backing up onto the highway.
Each year, the Oregon Department of Transportation, state and local law enforcement and other incident responders coordinate their efforts to better manage the increased traffic on I-5 and other major corridors in the Willamette Valley. Staffing is increased to help deal with the heavy congestion and clear crashes, more variable message signs are posted to warn travelers of congestion and delays, and extra efforts are made to manage the traffic flows around the Civil War and Black Friday shopping.
And a few safety reminders:
* Know before you go. Check road and traffic conditions on ODOT's travel site, www.TripCheck.com, or call 5-1-1.
* Stay alert and focused while driving at all times.
* If going to the Premium Outlet Stores, approach the Woodburn exit in the far right lane several miles before the exit. DO NOT STOP in the center or left lanes to merge into the far right lane of traffic that has already developed to take the freeway exit. An option for shoppers is to proceed to the next available exit and turn around and proceed to the northbound exit which normally has much less backup.
* On Friday, football fans approaching the Woodburn Interchange (Exit 271) while heading to Corvallis for the game should stay in the left lanes.
* Keep a safe following distance at all times.
* Before leaving, plan out a possible alternative route.
* If you need to check your route, have a passenger look at any devices or pull to a safe place, off of the roadway.
* If you see vehicles on the side of the road, slow down and move over to the next lane.
For the latest information on road conditions, visit www.tripcheck.com
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