Plan Ahead for Heavier-Than-Normal Traffic This Saturday on Interstate 5

It is university football weekend and police say motorists should expect delays.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - Motorists traveling to or through the Willamette Valley on this Saturday should anticipate heavy traffic and congestion related problems especially along Interstate 5 and secondary highways leading to the area, some of which will be fans flocking to Eugene and Corvallis for football games from many different directions.

Oregon State Police troopers will be working with local county sheriff's and city police agencies to handle traffic-related issues throughout Saturday with special focus on Interstate 5 in the Salem area south through Eugene.

Oregon Department of Transportation incident responders will also be available to assist motorists and help emergency responders with highway incidents.

Anyone traveling to or through the area should consider:

* Leaving early – traffic will be very heavy and congestion problems may be impacted by weather, traffic flow, a major freeway construction work zone in south Salem, and interchange-related backups south of Albany.

* A known alternate route to travel off Interstate 5 – whether traveling on Interstate 5 or using a known secondary route, being aware of alternate routes will help if problems develop. Prior to kickoff for the first University of Oregon football game on September 1st, a fatal traffic crash happened on Interstate 5 north of Eugene that closed the freeway and impacted southbound traffic.

* Don't try to make up for lost time by driving careless or dangerously – Obey posted speeds, leave room between your vehicle and those you are following so you can stop safely, and don't pass on highway shoulders if you are stuck in traffic.

* Delaying your departure following the game – Stay overnight or stay for dinner will lessen the congestion after the game.

* Planning ahead for a sober and rested driver. Report dangerous and intoxicated drivers to 9-1-1 or OSP dispatch at 800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865).

This Saturday is one of three dates this fall when Oregon and Oregon State University football teams have home games scheduled on the same day. The other dates are September 29th and October 27th.