Kennewick, WA – The Washington State Patrol and local travel authorities are gearing up for a significant increase in traffic this Labor Day weekend in the Tri-Cities area. With the holiday recognized as one of the busiest and most hazardous travel periods annually, officials are urging travelers to plan ahead to avoid congestion and ensure their safety.
Travelers can expect crowded highways, especially on State Route 395 near the Blue Bridge, as well as busy periods at the Tri-Cities Airport. Officials emphasize patience and preparedness to help make the holiday travel experience smoother and safer.
Anticipating Traffic Congestion and Safety Measures
The Washington State Patrol is enhancing enforcement efforts to manage the expected traffic surge. Trooper Daniel Mosqueda highlighted the risks associated with increased traffic volume, noting that last year’s holiday weekend saw substantial law enforcement activity in the area.
“Last year, in 2024, we arrested 10 DUI drivers in the Tri-Cities. We also investigated 11 collisions and cited over 140 speeders in that three-day period,” said Trooper Mosqueda. “We ask commuters to pack their patience, especially around the busy Blue Bridge area.”
- State Route 395 near milepost 18 (Blue Bridge) is expected to experience heavy congestion.
- Peak traffic times are predicted to be Friday afternoon and Monday evening.
- Increased enforcement will focus on speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and seatbelt compliance, particularly for children.
Tri-Cities Airport at Near Capacity During Labor Day Weekend
Buck Taft, Airport Director for the Tri-Cities Airport, explained that the airport operates at near full capacity daily, with Labor Day weekend reflecting typical busy conditions.
“Our planes are pretty much full every flight. We can’t pack more people into the terminal or more people on the aircraft. We’re busy almost every day,” Taft said. “It’s very important just to get here early; sometimes equipment goes down, computers go down. Being here early helps you get through the process quicker.”
- Travelers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before their scheduled flights.
- The airport is experiencing high passenger volume every day during the holiday period.
Planning and Safety: Keys to a Smooth Labor Day Weekend Travel
Both highway and airport officials remind travelers that planning, patience, and prioritizing safety are essential to managing the holiday travel rush. The Washington State Department of Transportation offers real-time travel data to help drivers stay informed before and during their trips.
- Utilize real-time traffic updates to avoid congestion.
- Stay alert on the road by avoiding distractions and driving sober.
- Ensure all passengers, especially children, are properly buckled up.
As Labor Day weekend approaches, travelers in the Tri-Cities region should expect a busy travel period and adjust their schedules accordingly to reduce stress and risk.
