MnDOT shares travel tips ahead of busy holiday weekend


ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Memorial Day weekend is upon us and that means a lot more people will be on the road traveling the next couple days.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is sharing some tips on how to stay safe during a busy travel weekend.

For many, Memorial weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and that means a lot more people on the roads this weekend, including people hauling boats and campers.

Traffic on Highway 52
Traffic on Highway 52(KTTC)

AAA anticipates 39.2 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home this weekend.

That’s an increase of 8.3 percent over last year and brings travel volumes near those in 2017.

MnDOT wants to remind drivers to remain attentive and cautious, to give more space to those towing, and to put the distractions away.

If you are towing anything over the weekend, MnDOT says to make sure everything is secured.

“You know, you chart your path before you go, it’s good to check all the safety chains, you’re secure,” MnDOT District 6 Spokesman Mike Dougherty said. “If you have anything in the boat, is it all secured? All those things that just make sure that not only is your property taken care of but if it’s not, that can create a hazard and perhaps a tragedy for some other motorists if it comes loose.”

Even if you don’t see any workers in construction zones this week, MnDOT wants to remind drivers to still be careful in work zones.

If you are planning to travel at all this weekend, you can use the 511 map to see if there is any construction or detours on your route.

Copyright 2022 KTTC. All rights reserved.



Source link

Four-vehicle injury crash closes Bend Parkway as holiday travel period begins


(Update: Southbound lanes reopen)

Other crashes reported in region on rainy start to weekend

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A four-vehicle injury crash on the northbound Bend Parkway (Highway 97) Friday afternoon closed the highway in both directions, officials said.

The crash was reported around 3:40 p.m. in the area of milepost 135, near the Highway 20 “loop” offramp, ODOT TripCheck indicated.

Southbound lanes were closed for a time, as they were being used to get emergency vehicles to the scene, ODOT Region 4 spokeswoman Kacey Davey said. They reopened around 4:30 p.m.

ODOT advised to expect delays and use an alternate route. Check TripCheck for updates here.

It was one of several crashes reported, including two in the Redmond area, as the Memorial Day weekend travel period began amid rainfall over much of the region.



Source link

Getaway takeaway: Holiday travel day has shifted


On Fridays immediately before the holidays, the traffic on some highways is certainly heavier compared to other days of the year, but there is no longer a getaway day. 

Once upon a time and a time long ago, the getaway for D.C.-area drivers happened on the Friday before the holiday weekend.

Then people started time-shifting, vowing never to be caught in the sudden crush of vacation traffic. The rush to the beach or mountains began earlier a few days before that Friday. In the case of Thanksgiving, it started the Friday before that Thursday.

Beginning some 10 years ago, awareness of current traffic conditions increased through smartphone apps. Modeling and depiction of traffic thanks to smartphones improved the public’s ability to comprehend where and when traffic was likely to be bad. Travel habits and routines further evolved.

In the modern traffic era, armed with more technology, leave, telework and flexibility, a higher percentage of white-collar workers now hit the road a week or more before the holiday, further diluting the traditional getaway. Numbers from local departments of transportation last year showed that the highest trip counts on the Capital Beltway and Interstate 95 were recorded two Fridays before some of the annual holidays.



The getaway is no longer what it once was. Some highways will be congested Friday, but the phenomenon is different now, and the term conjures visions of something that ended a long time ago: the bygone burst of traffic a day before a long holiday weekend. The getaway is more diffuse than ever.

Nowadays, there is a daily swell of traffic on I-95 and the Capital Beltway — a weekly ebb and flow, with less congestion on Mondays and more on Fridays during the warm season.

On Fridays immediately before the holidays, the traffic on some highways is certainly heavier compared to other days of the year, but there is no longer a getaway day.  By the time the traditional getaway day arrives, the majority of the getaway traffic got away a long time ago.

Like WTOP on Facebook and follow WTOP on Twitter and Instagram to engage in conversation about this article and others.

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

© 2022 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.





Source link

Travel officials offer tips to ease wait times at Westchester Airport this holiday weekend


The Westchester County Airport was packed Friday with travel officials saying that a record number of people are expected to take to the air this Memorial Day weekend.

Travel officials say air travel is expected to be up 25%, bringing levels back to pre-pandemic numbers.

Officials warn travelers that wait times may be much longer.

Airport officials say to help ease the wait times be mindful of what you packed in your carry on. Remember anything that can be sprayed, pumped or spilled must be 3.4 ounces or under.



Source link

Law enforcement officials offer travel tips for holiday weekend – Leavenworth Times


Many people are expected to hit the roads this holiday weekend. AAA is estimating 329,000 Kansans will travel 50 miles or more during Memorial Day weekend. And 90% of them, more than 296,000, will be traveling by car. “The roads will be as crowded as they have been over the Memorial Day holiday since before…

Subscribe Now to continue reading.
Log In
Join Now



Source link

Sky Harbor shares travel tips for the holiday weekend


Independent Newsmedia

 Phoenix Sky Harbor is expecting to see an increase in passengers this Memorial Day weekend, nearly back to pre-pandemic levels, and airport officials are offering some advice to make travel safer and easier.

Though masks are no longer mandated for travel, the CDC recommends mask-wearing while traveling. Phoenix Sky Harbor will have face coverings and other PPE items  available for purchase at airport shops and PPE vending machines, according to an airport release. Hand-sanitizing stations  remain available.

Here are a few tips from Sky Harbor:

  •  Pack a face covering and other personal protective equipment  such as hand sanitizer. The federal mask mandate has been lifted; however, the CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks while flying to ensure the safety and well-being of the traveling public and to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Some airlines may still require travelers to wear a mask. Check with  airlines for specific requirements.
  •  Check your destination’s entry requirements if traveling internationally. Some destinations may require a negative COVID-19 test for entry. COVID-19 testing is offered pre-security in Terminal 4 at Treat. The U.S. also requires a negative test when returning on an international flight. 
  •  Reserve parking. 
  • Double-check what’s in bags.  Review the TSA prohibited items list the night before a flight.
  • Check the flight status with the airline before coming to the airport to catch a flight or to pick-up/drop-off family and friends. Flight status can be checked on the airline’s website or at skyharbor.com.
  • Allow extra time. Arrive early and check security wait times online.   Domestic travelers should arrive two hours before flights and three hours if  traveling internationally. Travelers can also check current TSA security checkpoint wait times at skyharbor. com and on the flight information screens in the airport once they arrive. 
  •  Reduce time in the security checkpoint line.  The airport’s PHX RESERVE program allows travelers to save their space and reduce the wait. Make a reservation up to three days before departure and receive a time to enter a designated checkpoint lane to begin the standard security process. This program is open to travelers of any airline, though if you have TSA PreCheck, it’s recommended use it.
  • Reserve rental cars.  It’s advisable to reserve rental cars as vehicles may be limited for walk-up customers.





Source link

Travel tips to stay safe with testing for a stress-free summer holiday


Doctor shares a few health tips for travel that may help your family return healthy from that much needed summer break while keeping ‘unwelcome’ holiday presents away

Updated On May 25, 2022 03:27 PM IST

/

With the kids breaking for their summer vacation, a huge task for all parents is to plan a safe and enjoyable holiday. After two years of Covid-19 restrictions, travel is starting to feel a lot safer, especially with the increasing number of people getting vaccinated and even getting booster shots. Dr. Mangesh Tiwaskar, Editor in Chief of Journal of Association of Physicians of India shares a few tips that may help your family return healthy from that much needed break while keeping ‘unwelcome’ holiday presents away. (Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash)

Updated on May 25, 2022 03:27 PM IST

With the kids breaking for their summer vacation, a huge task for all parents is to plan a safe and enjoyable holiday. After two years of Covid-19 restrictions, travel is starting to feel a lot safer, especially with the increasing number of people getting vaccinated and even getting booster shots. Dr. Mangesh Tiwaskar, Editor in Chief of Journal of Association of Physicians of India shares a few tips that may help your family return healthy from that much needed break while keeping ‘unwelcome’ holiday presents away. (Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash)

/

1. Check the Covid-19 rates and restrictions before deciding on the holiday destination - The infection rate and restrictions at your destination is a big factor to consider. If you’re thinking of a location that’s red-hot with infection, your chances of becoming ill can rise, even if you’ve been vaccinated. Its best to check with someone living there or stay updated on infections in the area before you finalize the plan, to avoid any unwanted surprises upon arrival. Also, if you or those you’re traveling with have not yet been vaccinated, you may want to take a rapid antigen Covid-19 test before you leave to reduce the odds of unknowingly bringing the virus to your destination. (Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay )

Updated on May 25, 2022 03:27 PM IST

1. Check the Covid-19 rates and restrictions before deciding on the holiday destination – The infection rate and restrictions at your destination is a big factor to consider. If you’re thinking of a location that’s red-hot with infection, your chances of becoming ill can rise, even if you’ve been vaccinated. Its best to check with someone living there or stay updated on infections in the area before you finalize the plan, to avoid any unwanted surprises upon arrival. Also, if you or those you’re traveling with have not yet been vaccinated, you may want to take a rapid antigen Covid-19 test before you leave to reduce the odds of unknowingly bringing the virus to your destination. (Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay )

/

2. Carrying a Rapid Antigen Testing Kit as a part of your medicine bag - While travelling, with kids or even otherwise, a medicine kit is a must-have item in a travel bag. Let’s apply this ‘safety first’ mantra not just to our kids but all aspects of life to keep a check on our health. So, this holiday season, ensure you carry a Covid-19 self-test kit for a stress-free and safe holiday. Of course, while making this decision, the quality of the kit is a key factor as well. These kits, such as the Panbio Covid-19 antigen self-test kit, are readily available in pharmacies and online retailer sites and give you quick result in as little as 15 minutes. You can easily test on the go, especially if there is a sudden rise in the number of cases after you have arrived. This can help ensure you and your travelling group are safe. A self-test kit is an important travel partner, and even more so if you’re going to another country! (Photo by Cedrik Wesche on Unsplash)

Updated on May 25, 2022 03:27 PM IST

2. Carrying a Rapid Antigen Testing Kit as a part of your medicine bag – While travelling, with kids or even otherwise, a medicine kit is a must-have item in a travel bag. Let’s apply this ‘safety first’ mantra not just to our kids but all aspects of life to keep a check on our health. So, this holiday season, ensure you carry a Covid-19 self-test kit for a stress-free and safe holiday. Of course, while making this decision, the quality of the kit is a key factor as well. These kits, such as the Panbio Covid-19 antigen self-test kit, are readily available in pharmacies and online retailer sites and give you quick result in as little as 15 minutes. You can easily test on the go, especially if there is a sudden rise in the number of cases after you have arrived. This can help ensure you and your travelling group are safe. A self-test kit is an important travel partner, and even more so if you’re going to another country! (Photo by Cedrik Wesche on Unsplash)

/

3. Avoid crammed, indoor spaces - While finalizing your travel itinerary, ensure that you avoid indoor places crammed with people whose vaccination status is unknown. There may be vacation activities you always love to do – from karaoke cafes to theme parks with indoor rides – that may be wise to skip for now. These crowded gatherings away from fresh air may carry some Covid-19 risk. But if you visit a packed indoor space that you can’t resist, make sure to mask up and self-test when you return. (Image by Tasos Lekkas from Pixabay )

Updated on May 25, 2022 03:27 PM IST

3. Avoid crammed, indoor spaces – While finalizing your travel itinerary, ensure that you avoid indoor places crammed with people whose vaccination status is unknown. There may be vacation activities you always love to do – from karaoke cafes to theme parks with indoor rides – that may be wise to skip for now. These crowded gatherings away from fresh air may carry some Covid-19 risk. But if you visit a packed indoor space that you can’t resist, make sure to mask up and self-test when you return. (Image by Tasos Lekkas from Pixabay )

/

4. Don’t forget to relax! You deserve it - Yes! We are all due for a well-deserved break. For all of us, the stress from this pandemic means we yearn to travel more than ever now. For many of us, it’s been two years since we’ve taken a vacation or spent holidays with extended family. While you are on your first holiday away since the pandemic, it may take a while to fully unwind. That’s okay. Getting vaccinated and carrying a quality rapid antigen self-test kit can help you feel more confident, so you can allow yourself to enjoy the break, kick back and relax. (Photo by Jonathan Forage on Unsplash)

Updated on May 25, 2022 03:27 PM IST

4. Don’t forget to relax! You deserve it – Yes! We are all due for a well-deserved break. For all of us, the stress from this pandemic means we yearn to travel more than ever now. For many of us, it’s been two years since we’ve taken a vacation or spent holidays with extended family. While you are on your first holiday away since the pandemic, it may take a while to fully unwind. That’s okay. Getting vaccinated and carrying a quality rapid antigen self-test kit can help you feel more confident, so you can allow yourself to enjoy the break, kick back and relax. (Photo by Jonathan Forage on Unsplash)



Source link