Expect Congestion....

If You're Planning to Travel East for College Game Day in Pullman Delays are Likely... 

What is going on?

The bridge on SR26 will be closed for six weeks due to the rapid deterioration to the deck. Repairs were originally planned for Spring of 2019, but bridge office technicians have decided to move the project up in priority rather than allow the bridge to endure another winter.

The 32 mile detour around the construction site will slow down Cougar Fans and any other travelers making the trip to Southeast Washington. Be aware that construction on the SR 26 bridge is expected until November 21st, 2018.

This construction comes at a time when a large number of WSU Cougar Fans are likely to be traveling across the state for College Game Day. It is important that drivers are prepared and aware of unavoidable traffic delays.

An Expected 75,000 people are expected to arrive on the Palouse this weekend   

Between bridge repairs, College Game Day hype, and the University of Idaho's Homecoming game taking place this weekend on the Palouse, patience will pay off when you finally arrive in the pullman area. You can expect a large influx of people crowding the streets throughout the region. Stadium Way from Grimes Way to Cougar Way will be closed from Midnight -after the football game on Saturday.

Expect RV's, pedestrians, congestion throughout the region. Since 2016 SR26 and Highway 195 have had over one thousand traffic incidents. Lets not contribute to that number this weekend because we are in a hurry. The roads to the Palouse are narrow without much of a shoulder, and few passing lanes. Game Day in Pullman is not worth your life. Plan ahead, slow down, #besafecougs. 

Upcoming SR 26 Road Closure & Safety Event...

SR26 Road Closure will Cause Detour...

Traveling from Western Washington to the Southeast Region? Get ready for a six week traffic project that will cause a 32 mile detour on SR26 ...

Despite being patched, an 8-foot by 4-foot hole in the SR 26 bridge east of Othello has been placed on the immediate priority list of Washington State construction projects. Risk of bridge failure has advanced the project to Monday, October 15th with the goal of completion proposed for Wednesday November 21st in anticipation of another harsh winter.

How does this Affect You? 

October 20th -WSU vs. University of Oregon
November 3rd -WSU vs. The University of California
November 17th - WSU vs. The University of Arizona

The travel project will add approximately 15 additional minutes to the trip, if you would normally be driving through the portion of road utilizing the SR 26 bridge. Be prepared for congestion and pay attention to workers on the roadway. Detour signs will be placed along SR17, 260, and US route 395 which will add about 14 miles to your trip to southeast Washington.

How should you plan? 

Eastbound traffic will continue on I-90 until just beyond Ritzville where traffic will continue south on SR 261 until SR26. Westbound traffic on SR 26 from Pullman will turn north at Washtucna onto SR 261 to I-90.

WSU Safety Fair 

Don't have a lot of experience driving in the snow? No problem! 

Washington State University is hosting it's annual Safety Fair on Tuesday, October 16th from 10:30am - 1:30pm in the CUB Senior Ballroom. The Palouse Driver Safety Campaign will be hosting a regional driver education teacher to help show you how to put chains on this upcoming winter. Hubert Hogaboam will provide his extensive experience to help with any questions or concerns you might have about winter driving and driving safety. Included in the Safety Fair, will be information about how to change a tire, hooking up jumper cables, and general safety tips that you may be unaware of. Recommendations on driver safety and safety procedure vary depending on the type of vehicle you drive. Educate yourself now so that you know how to respond before you have a traffic incident that leaves you stranded.

For travel information including live road cams, weather advisories, and construction updates, visit us at www.safepalousedrivers.com 

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