Best and worst times to travel Labor Day weekend

SEATTLE -- Leave early and plan ahead! Transportation officials say that’s the best advice if traveling Labor Day weekend.

“Travel volumes in the nation and locally are up over last year so we anticipate a record number of people hitting the roads this Labor Day weekend,” said Bob Pishue, INRIX transportation analyst.

INRIX expects the most traffic Friday afternoon and Monday. Pishue says drivers could save time by traveling during non-peak hours on Saturday and Sunday.

“That seems to be a popular destination to get out of town is either going to Canada or going to Portland, but as I said before heading back on Sunday midday will shave off a decent amount from your trip as opposed to going Monday morning to midday,” said Pishue.

The Washington State Department of Transportation is expecting some delays eastbound on I-90. At the Vantage Bridge, WSDOT will have one lane closed for a bridge painting project. Officials say drivers should expect delays ranging from 20 minutes to two hours.

In Adams County, eastbound I-90 at Wahl Road (milepost 213) will be reduced to one lane through the weekend.

Drivers filling up their tanks will save some money compared to this time last year. AAA reports the average gas price in Washington is $2.61.