Oregon Memorial Day Weekend Traffic Tips: Things To Know From ODOT

PORTLAND, OR — Memorial Day Weekend is considered the start of the summer travel season, which also means it's the start of the summer traffic season. The Oregon Department of Transportation has some tips on making your travel plans as pain-free as possible.

First off, always check Tripcheck, ODOT's live traffic maps. ODOT regularly adds more cameras to the system so people can check road conditions in real tie. The system also allows drivers to look at travel times, see delays, and find out where there's construction.

Speaking of construction, ODOT has a website where you can track what constructions projects are scheduled to begin and when.

ODOT wants people to do what they can to plan ahead. Be aware of major events such as the World Athletic Championships, which will be held in Eugene in July. Events like that can cause congestion and other travel obstacles, according to the department.

The department also wants people to remember a couple of old and new rules such as the Move Over Law, which requires drivers to pull over or at least slow down if an emergency vehicle with lights and/or sirens is approaching.

If you're interested in traveling along the Columbia River Highway to see the Waterfall Corridor, ODOT wants you to remember that timed permits are now needed.

ODOT also suggests considering a car-free trip, going by bus or AMTRAK. The department has a webpage devoted to car-free trip-planning.

.Most importantly, ODOT wants people to remember to be prepared by doing things like making sure that your car is working, checking tires, coolant, hoses, and the such.

"Have emergency supplies in your vehicle," ODOT said in a release. "Food, water, extra medications, a first aid kit, a paper road map, phone charger, jumper cables, a safety vest and a flashlight all may come in handy as you travel.

"Know before you go and have a safe trip wherever you go and however you choose to get there."