Drivers across Washington state have been warned to expect heavy traffic over the Labor Day weekend, with major sporting fixtures, festivals and fairs set to coincide with increased travel on the roads and ferries.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) said most road construction would be paused from Friday, September 4, to help ease congestion. However, delays are still expected on Interstate 5, Interstate 90, US 2 and near the Canadian border, particularly around popular destinations and large events.
All lanes of I-90 across the Vantage Bridge will remain open from Friday through Monday, September 7. The restriction will return on Tuesday, September 8, when the bridge is due to revert to one lane in each direction around the clock as part of a long-term deck replacement project. ([wsdot.wa.gov](https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/news/2026/ready-set-road-trip-wsdot-offers-labor-day-weekend-travel-tools-and-tips?utm_source=openai))
Major events expected to add to congestion
Seattle is preparing for a particularly busy weekend, with the Apple Cup between the University of Washington Huskies and Washington State University Cougars taking place at Husky Stadium.
The Seattle Mariners will host the Athletics in a three-game series at T-Mobile Park from Friday to Sunday, while Seattle Sounders FC will face the New York Red Bulls at Lumen Field on Saturday. Seattle Reign are also due to play the San Diego Wave at the stadium on Sunday evening.
Other attractions expected to draw large crowds include the opening of the Washington State Fair, the 117th Evergreen State Fair, Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival and PAX West at Seattle Center. More than 100,000 video game fans are expected at the four-day convention.
Further east, the Ellensburg Rodeo will run from September 4 to 7, while the Gorge will host performances by the Dave Matthews Band. Concerts by Earth, Wind & Fire and Benson Boone are also scheduled in the Spokane area.
Washington State Ferries is also expecting a busy period as people make last-minute trips before the end of summer. WSDOT said passengers should check sailing times and service alerts in advance, while those travelling by car should allow extra time at terminals.
The department has published holiday travel charts covering I-5 between Lacey and Tacoma, I-90 between North Bend and Cle Elum, US 2 between Skykomish and Stevens Pass, and I-5 near the US-Canada border. The charts use previous Labor Day traffic patterns to indicate when congestion is most likely. ([wsdot.wa.gov](https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/holiday-weekend-travel/labor-day-weekend-travel-times?utm_source=openai))
WSDOT also advised travellers to check traffic cameras, ferry information and real-time road conditions before setting off. A separate closure on State Route 160 near the Southworth ferry terminal is expected to remain in place through October, with a signed diversion available for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. ([wsdot.wa.gov](https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/news/2026/ready-set-road-trip-wsdot-offers-labor-day-weekend-travel-tools-and-tips?utm_source=openai))
Officials urged motorists to leave extra time, avoid stopping on road shoulders when parking areas are full and remain alert in work zones, even where construction activity has been suspended for the holiday weekend.
