OSP, ODOT traffic reminders for UO-OSU game days
The 2013 football season kicks off this weekend for both the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, so the Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Transportation urge football fans to start planning now for the upcoming season.
According to ODOT, an estimated 30,000 additional vehicles converge on Interstate 5 and roads leading to Eugene and Corvallis when home games occur on the same day for UO and OSU, as is the case for their first games this Saturda y.
The extra traffic will join Labor Day Holiday weekend travelers, affecting travel time and increasing the potential for highway incidents and crashes, officials said.
This year, both universities have home games on August 31 , September 28 , and October 26 . The annual Civil War football game is in Eugene on November 29 .
Game day changes for the Corvallis area will again include:
* Signal timing adjustment on Highway 34 to allow more traffic to pass through intersections.
* After an OSU game, motorists at the South Bypass will be restricted from turning west into town but will enjoy a dedicated right turn lane to travel east onto Highway 34.
* Motorists on the Van Buren Bridge traveling east on Highway 34 will not have to stop at the intersection.
In the Eugene/Springfield area:
* Construction at the I-5/Randy Pap Beltline interchange has resulted in a significant change to the southbound Exits 195 A and B. Both exits use the same ramp. Motorists should carefully read the signs preceding the exit.
* Additionally, the Pioneer Parkway exit ramp from eastbound Highway 126 (Officer Chris Kilcullen Memorial Highway) will be closed for approximately 90 minutes after an Oregon game. Motorists traveling eastbound on Highway 126 are encouraged to take the Mohawk Boulevard exit and use Q Street to access north Springfield area.
OSP and ODOT 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).
