Memorial Day signals the unofficial kickoff for summer travel, and the Washington State Department of Transportation reminds drivers to plan their trips before taking off this weekend.

Drivers are encouraged to check WSDOT’s predicted travel volumes on all key weekend travel routes, including Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass, US 2 over Stevens Pass, I-5 between Thurston and Pierce counties, and I-5 between Bellingham and the Canada/U.S. border.

To help ease what can become long waits, WSDOT and its contractors suspend most state highway construction work from noon on Friday, May 25, through Monday, May 28. The few exceptions include US 2 west of the Stevens Pass summit, where only one lane is open in each direction while crews work on stabilizing slopes.

Drivers should also expect delays on I-90 between Cle Elum and Easton, and between Hyak and Keechelus Dam. Two lanes will be open in both directions, but drivers will see construction activity next to the freeway.

WSDOT offers statewide travel information at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic, including traffic camera images, ferry schedules and a map of highway incidents and closures.