OSP, ODOT: Travel safely for ‘game day’ in Eugene

Now that the 2014 college football season kicked off last weekend in Oregon, the Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Transportation urge football fans heading to Eugene for the game of the week to plan now to have an alert, sober and safe driver.

Traffic heading south to Eugene for the University of Oregon (UO) and Michigan State University game should anticipate heavy congestion along Interstate 5 in several Willamette Valley-area locations before and after the game. The extra traffic will affect travel time and increase the potential for highway incidents and crashes.

To avoid the road congestion, Portland-area fans may want to consider taking the train with a 25% off special to/from Eugene on Amtrak Cascades ( http://www.amtrak.com/goducks )

Reminders for travelers in the Eugene/Springfield area include:

* Construction at the I-5/Randy Pape Beltline interchange has resulted in a significant change to the southbound Exits 195 A and B. Motorists should carefully read the signs preceding the exit.
* 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.
* Highway construction work on Interstate 5 south of Cottage Grove has reduced traffic to a single lane in each direction for ten weeks. Motorists should plan extra travel time and anticipate congestion and delays during peak travel times, including game days.

OSP, ODOT, and local law enforcement partners 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
* Don’t let high temperatures cause you to reach your boiling point. Keep your emotions in check on the road and at the game.
* 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 ).