“Slow down and beware of fellow travelers who may not be familiar with the roads of our state.”
Salem, Oregon. (KOIN) — With Memorial Day weekend ahead and the upcoming summer tourist season, the Oregon Department of Transportation wants people to know a few key things before they hit the road.
ODOT offers to check your itinerary for tripcheck.com with more cameras now showing road conditions, more real travel times and construction projects. As major events are planned throughout the area, the department is asking people to plan for delays.
“Watch traffic warning messages,” ODOT said in a press release. “Slow down and beware of fellow travelers who may not be familiar with the roads of our state.”
The ad invites people to also consider traveling without a car, using the bus or Amtrak, and walking or cycling around the city.
Ride on electricity? ODOT says there are upgraded electric vehicle charging stations along major roads like I-5, I-84, and US 101. Some chargers on these roads are part of the West Coast Electric Highway network and now have upgraded plug types that can connect to more EV models. .
You can recognize the new chargers by the orange stickers.
Oregon has about 2,100 public electric vehicle charging stations, according to the department.
“Over the next few years, we’re looking to build much more along major roads and in Oregon communities thanks to ODOT’s $100 million pledge for electric vehicle charging infrastructure,” the press release notes.
During the summer months, people can also expect road and bridge construction. People can visit ODOT Project Tracker to see what’s planned.
The department recommends keeping an eye on the color orange, slowing down around work areas, and helping everyone return home safely.
Another tip is to take extra care with sealants, which are a cheaper method of paving and extend the life of the road. Drivers are being told to slow down as there may be loose rocks around that could scatter and shatter windows or chip paint.
ODOT says people should expect delays on OR 224, OR 22, OR 126 and OR 138 as crews continue to remove rocks and debris from the highway, repair fire-damaged roads, remove dangerous trees, and reseed native plants and make repairs.
“Last year in Oregon, cars were the main source of wildfires during the summer. Do your part to prevent them,” the ministry said. “If you have to pull off the road, stay on firm ground and avoid dry grass. Never, ever throw a lit cigarette or any combustible material out of a vehicle.”
Before leaving, check the coolant, hoses and tires, the press release says.
“There is an emergency…
