Washington roads face holiday traffic, winter risks

It should be another record-setting year for holiday road trips, AAA predicts, with 122.4 million Americans venturing at least 50 miles from home.

Why it matters: Peak holiday traffic and unpredictable winter weather could collide on Washington roads this season, increasing the risk of longer delays and more dangerous conditions.

Driving the news: AAA warns the busiest travel days will be the Saturday–Tuesday before Christmas and the Friday–Tuesday ahead of New Year's.

• Friday, Dec. 26 is expected to be especially busy as post-holiday return trips begin.
• Congestion on Interstate 90 between Seattle and Ellensburg, one of the state's busiest holiday routes, typically peaks around noon, per AAA Washington.

State of play: AAA Washington recommends leaving early in the day and arriving at airports, ferry terminals and other travel hubs well ahead of schedule due to longer lines and congestion.

• Washington State Ferries expects 700,000 passengers from Dec. 19-31, and advises taking early-morning or late-night sailing or using transit to walk or bike onto the ferry.
• More than 2.5 million travelers are expected at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport between Dec. 18–Jan. 4, a 3% increase over last year.

If you go: Check WSDOT's real-time travel map before leaving, pack an emergency kit with cold-weather gear and bring chains if crossing over the passes, per AAA Washington.