photo credit: Corvallis Advocate
SALEM, OR — As the 2014 football season kicks off this weekend for both University of Oregon and Oregon State University, the Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Transportation urge football fans and other game day travelers to start planning now for the upcoming season.
According to ODOT, an estimated 30,000 vehicles converge on Interstate 5 and roads leading to Eugene and Corvallis when home games occur on the same day for UO and OSU.
Even though kickoffs are scheduled at different times, traffic heading south to Eugene may run into departing traffic from Corvallis with possible heavy congestion between Albany and Eugene. This extra traffic will join Labor Day holiday weekend travelers, affecting travel time and increasing the risk of highway incidents and crashes.
According to the Corvallis Police Department, roughly 80 percent of traffic leaving the Corvallis area after a home football game does so by traveling east or west on Philomath Boulevard, and it typically takes 2 – 3 hours to facilitate traffic flow after games.
OSP, ODOT, and local law enforcement partners offer these simple safety tips and reminders:
* Start putting together your traveling game plan now before the season starts
* On game day: leave early, be patient and alert so you can react to sudden stops in traffic, quick lane changes by other vehicles, and leave plenty of distance between you and others on the road
* Keep current on road and travel conditions by visiting TripCheck.com, calling 5-1-1, and listening for radio traffic-related news and updates
* Drivers: avoid distractions and leave talking or texting on mobile devices in the hands of your passengers
* Buckle up every trip, every time
* Have a sober, rested driver behind the wheel of your vehicle before and after the game
State, county and city police along with ODOT encourage reporting any possible intoxicated or dangerous drivers by calling 9-1-1 or OSP dispatch at 800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865).
If you see local news happen, call the Horizon Broadcasting Group News Tip Hotline at 541-323-NEWS, or email us.
