weekend travel traffic

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Roads and airports will be crowded this weekend. Here's how to prepare

Rachel Treisman

A Delta Airlines plane lands near an In-N-Out Burger next to Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday. Mario Tama/Getty Images hide caption

A Delta Airlines plane lands near an In-N-Out Burger next to Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday.

This Labor Day weekend is shaping up to be a crowded one, from airports to interstates.

The Federal Aviation Administration predicts this will be the third-busiest holiday weekend of the year so far, behind the weekends of Juneteenth (which overlapped with Father's Day) and Presidents Day in February.

It's forecasting a peak of 52,000 flights on Thursday, compared to its daily average of 45,000.

Flying somewhere for Labor Day weekend? We’re forecasting a peak of 52,203 flights on Thursday, August 31. Get air travel tips to help you prepare at https://t.co/HzQWUCBzvV . #LaborDayWeekend pic.twitter.com/2yK7GT00rO — The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) August 28, 2023

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen more than 14 million passengers , which it says is almost 11% higher than last year at this time. It projects there will be more than 2.7 million passengers on Friday, its busiest day.

And AAA expects to see more traffic on the roads than it has in years, especially on Friday and Monday afternoons. It says Labor Day weekend bookings of flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises are up 4% domestically and 44% internationally over last Labor Day.

Traveling over the Fourth of July weekend? So is everyone else

And it's not just the sheer number of travelers that could create a hassle.

Parts of the South are still recovering from Hurricane Idalia, which temporarily closed several Florida airports and disrupted thousands of flights earlier this week. Plus, American Airlines flight attendants voted to authorize a strike on Wednesday, while United Airlines flight attendants and Southwest Airlines pilots picketed outside airports across the country on Thursday.

David Koenig, airlines reporter for the Associated Press, is cautiously optimistic. He says the flight attendants aren't likely to actually call a strike anytime soon — in part because federal law makes it so hard for airline unions to do so — and air travel seems to have recovered from the impacts of Idalia.

Lack of air traffic controllers is industry's biggest issue, United Airlines CEO says

But that doesn't mean there won't be cancellations, delays or other general inconveniences, he tells Morning Edition .

"The cautionary note is that airlines have struggled at times in the last couple of years, even during good weather, when air travel has come back the way it has," he says. "And we're also dealing with a shortage of air traffic controllers."

Here's what to know — and how to minimize stress — if you're heading out of town for the weekend.

If you're flying

People travel through the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Thursday. Brandon Bell/Getty Images hide caption

People travel through the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Thursday.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske says the agency is prepared for the increase in travel volumes this weekend.

He said in a statement that it's working with airlines and airports to ensure wait times are no more than 30 minutes in standard screening lanes and 10 minutes in TSA PreCheck lanes — but made no promises.

Traveling for the holidays? 7 tips to help you keep your cool

"There are occasions where wait times may be longer, so we encourage you to arrive early, pack your patience and reach out to us before arriving to the airport if you have any questions on our security procedures or items you may bring," he added.

TSA advises arriving two hours ahead of your scheduled flight, leaving extra time to navigate busy airports.

Use these tips to keep your time at the airport as easy as possible

To make your travel day even easier, Pekoske recommends packing properly ( here's what you can and can't bring in your carry-on) and keeping an acceptable ID out and ready when it's time to go through security.

People should also call TSA Cares 72 hours in advance to request any special accommodations, and contact their airline ahead of time to make sure any car seats, strollers and pet carriers are allowed on the plane.

You can check airport status and delays on the FAA website and monitor flight updates through your airline's website or app.

If you're driving

Traffic moves along Interstate 395 on Friday morning in Washington, D.C. Drew Angerer/Getty Images hide caption

Traffic moves along Interstate 395 on Friday morning in Washington, D.C.

If you're gearing up to hit the road this holiday weekend, you're not alone.

AAA anticipates the busiest travel time will be Friday afternoon when travelers will share the highway with daily commuters. The same goes for late Monday afternoon.

If you have any flexibility, it says, consider planning your drive for off-peak hours.

Three songs for the perfect summer road trip playlist

The transportation analytics company INRIX says the best times for your road trip are before 11 a.m. on Friday, after 6 p.m. on Saturday and after 7 p.m. on Monday. It expects minimal traffic impact on Sunday.

"The best times to travel by car over Labor Day weekend are early in the morning or in the evening," says analyst Bob Pishue. "If you must travel during heavy traffic, navigation apps and local departments of transportation can help steer drivers around long delays."

AAA recommends taking some time to prepare your car before getting on the road.

Simple DIY maintenance tasks that will keep your car running smoothly — and save money

"It's important that drivers remember that their vehicle can break down just as easily over Labor Day weekend as it can at any time of year and that they take every precaution to ensure that their cars are road ready," says Amy Parmenter, spokesperson for AAA in Greater Hartford.

They advise checking tire pressure and tread, making sure your battery is in good condition, checking your air conditioning, windshield wipers, fluids and headlight functionality and fully charging your cell phone before driving.

AAA also recommends stocking your car with a summer emergency kit, including jumper cables, tools, first aid supplies, a flashlight, road flare or reflective triangle, extra medications, water and snacks.

The broadcast interview was produced by Ziad Buchh.

• holiday travel

Traveling for Memorial Day? Here's when to avoid hitting the road, according to experts

Barbecues. Parades. Traffic. 

Three pillars of Memorial Day weekend festivities – two of which are a lot more fun than the third. 

And experts think there will be an even larger number of Americans hitting the road this holiday weekend.

“Even with a significant increase in gas prices, we expect a large jump in holiday driving compared to the last few years,” Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst for transportation data company  Inrix , said in a release. “Drivers should expect congestion on major roadways around big cities and popular destinations. Knowing when and where congestion will build can help drivers avoid the stress of sitting in traffic.”

Pishue told USA TODAY that the majority of travel during Memorial Day weekend is done on the road. He added that more than eight times the number of people who will travel this weekend will travel by automobile as opposed to air and other travel types.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

ROADTRIP ON YOUR MIND?: Here's how to take a summer road trip without spending a fortune as gas prices reach records

FROM REVIEWED: Shop the 70+ best Memorial Day sales now—save at Target, Michael Kors, Solo Stove and Wayfair

A Cars.com survey echoed Pishue's statement. The company released Memorial Day travel data Monday and said that 82% of Memorial Day weekend travelers will be traveling by car. Location data company Arrivalist said in a release that it estimates 37.9 million Americans will travel by road during this time.

With traffic in mind, it pays to plan ahead.

Account for extra travel time no matter where you're headed 

Travel times are expected to rise all around the country this coming weekend. It's important to plan for that when you are mapping out your route.

"Nationwide, you can expect about a 50% increase in normal travel time," Pishue said.

For example, if a trip typically would take you two hours, Pishue said it's smart to budget three hours.

Metropolitan travel time impact

Here’s a breakdown of the worst travel times across several U.S. metropolitans, according to Inrix, in partnership with AAA: 

• Worst corridor: I-85 South; Clairmont Road to MLK Jr. Drive
• Worst day: Thursday..
• Worst time: 3:30-5:30 p.m..
• Peak travel time increase: 128%
• Worst corridor: I-93 South, Purchase Street to MA-24.
• Worst day: Thursday.
• Worst time: 2:30-4:30 p.m.
• Peak travel time increase: 110%.
• Worst corridor: I-290 East, IL-110 to Racine Avenue.
• Worst time: 3:30-5:30 p.m.
• Peak travel time increase: 131%.
• Worst corridor: I-96 North; 6 Mile Road to Walled Lake.
• Worst day: Friday.
• Worst time: 3:00-5:00 p.m.
• Peak travel time increase: 65%.
• Worst corridor: I-69 North; I-610 to I-10.
• Worst time: 4:45-6:45 p.m.
• Peak travel time increase: 88%.

Los Angeles

• Worst corridor: I-5 South; Colorado Street to Florence Avenue.
• Peak travel time increase: 123%.
• Worst corridor: I-278 West, Long Island Express to 39th Street.
• Worst time:3:15-5:15 p.m.
• Peak travel time increase: 161%.

San Francisco

• Worst corridor: I-80 West, Gilman Street to Civic Center.
• Worst time: 5:45-7:45 p.m.
• Peak travel time increase: 105%.
• Worst corridor: I-5 South;  WA-18 to WA-7.
• Worst time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
• Peak travel time increase: 112%.
• Worst corridor: I-95 South; I-395 to VA-123.
• Worst time: 3:45-5:45 p.m.
• Peak travel time increase: 77%.

What's the worst day to travel this Memorial Day weekend?

Inrix  has projected congestion across the country and has predicted when roads will be the most crowded.

"We think the most congested day is going to be the Thursday before the weekend ... across the country," Pishue said.

Friday is another peak congestion day, Inrix  said in a release . The least congested days will be Saturday, Sunday and Monday, according to Pishue.

What time should you aim to travel through the holiday weekend?

On Thursday (the busiest day) – and Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday during Memorial Day weekend – the worst time to travel will be between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m., Pishue said.

That time period was a byproduct of the COVID-19 era, Pishue said, noting that Inrix has seen this trend in "pretty much any metro area."

Morning peak periods, usually spanning 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., have been depressed in terms of travel because fewer people are going into offices. But midday travel is at or above pre-COVID-19 levels in many areas, making midday an inopportune time to leave, Pishue continued.

"What we recommend is leaving generally before 6 or 7 in the morning, and on the weekend part of it – Saturday, Sunday, Monday – leaving before, you know, 10 or 11 (a.m.)," Pishue said.

Here’s Inrix's breakdown, in partnership with AAA, of the overall best times to travel and worst times to travel by day this Memorial Day weekend:

• Worst time: Between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Best time: Before 6 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
• Worst time: Between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Best time: Before 7 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
• Worst time: Between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• Best time: Before 10 a.m.
• Worst time: Between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
• Best time: Before 11 a.m.

"There's not a really bad travel time on (Memorial Day itself)," Pishue said. "(Traffic is) more spread throughout the day." 

Contributing: Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY

My Cameras Toggle

To add to My Cameras View:

• Map page - Click on a camera icon on the map, then click the "My Cameras" button at the top of the camera popup. Select from the Camera View list to add or de-select to remove.
• Camera page - Click on the     three dots icon below the camera image to access the "My Cameras" option. Select from the Camera View list to add or de-select to remove.
• Closed/Stopped

Would you like to be notified of events on this route?

Default options for receiving Event Notifications:

• 6 AM - 6 PM

Gridlock Alert

Gridlock alert: prepare for traffic this weekend with widespread closures on houston-area freeways.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Drivers should prepare for widespread lane closures across the Houston area this weekend.

The east side of the Houston area will see the majority of the slowdowns, with part of East Sam Houston Tollway expected to remain closed this weekend and through the summer.

Check this list for major closures and don't forget to check your route before you head out this weekend:

East Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway-8)

• Southbound at the Ship Channel Toll Bridge
• Two lanes closed
• 10 p.m., Friday, April 19 to 9 p.m., Sunday, April 21
• The right lane will remain closed until early September. Plan for additional slowdowns on the southbound side of the bridge through the summer.
• Westbound Spur 330/Decker to Monmouth in Baytown
• Two inside lanes
• 9 p.m., Friday, April 19 to 5 a.m., Monday, April 22.
• Drivers will have an open travel lane but expect delays.

I-610 North Loop

• Westbound from Hardy Toll Rd/Spur 548 to Airline
• All mainlanes
• 9 p.m., Friday, April 19 to 5 a.m., Sunday, April 21
• Use the North Loop connector to I-45 North and U-turn at Crosstimbers to access I-610.

METRORail Purple Line

• Closed Saturday and Sunday for rail improvements
• Palm Center to Eado/Stadium station

Free shuttles are available but allow extra time for travel.

ABC13 has real-time traffic data to help you navigate Houston's roads and avoid traffic delays.

Live traffic map

For news updates, follow Elissa Rivas on Facebook , X and Instagram .

Related Topics

• CONSTRUCTION
• GRIDLOCK ALERT
• ROAD CLOSURE
• TRAFFIC DELAY

Ramp at I-69, Loop 610 interchange to shut down for 3 months

Gridlock Alert: Traffic areas to avoid over the weekend in Houston

Plan ahead this weekend! Here's a Gridlock Alert that could clog plans

NOW OPEN: Construction complete on I-610, I-69 interchange, TxDot says

Top stories.

Union says packages at risk as 600 USPS workers robbed last year

Widow says husband would be alive if 'certain things had not happened'

Judge won't dismiss lawsuits against Travis Scott over Astroworld

Houston mother-son accused of stealing more than $1M in scheme

Man accepts plea deal in 2022 killing of worker over just $2

Family wasn't notified when organ transplant program was suspended

Houston Public Works plans to send 'set rate' to reduce high bills

Harris County Judge says she hasn't met with Mayor John Whitmire

Planned outage: Files stored in our eDOCS platform may be temporarily unavailable today from noon to 1 p.m.

Skip to Content

511 Travel Info

News releases

April 18, 2024

Latest news releases

Be alert for possible weekend traffic backups on I-35 Faribault

FARIBAULT, Minn. – Motorists traveling on Interstate 35 near Faribault should be alert of possible traffic backups through Faribault, especially Friday-Sunday, as construction is underway to resurface 4.6 miles of highway, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The volume of traffic on I-35 coupled with lane closures and ramp detours can cause slowdowns or backups through the work zone that stretches north and south of Faribault. Motorists are urged to be attentive to traffic and warning signs. Temporary rumble strips signal changes as they approach the work zone.

MnDOT has temporary rumble strips placed on I-35 and changeable message signs that activate warning messages when traffic is detected as slowing or stopped to boost driver awareness of the approaching work zone and traffic merge. Motorists will see a digital speed feedback sign to alert motorists of their speeds at the merge point where traffic is moved into a single lane in each direction in the southbound lanes. The first warning sign of construction is 10 miles out from the construction zone and the changeable message signs are placed every mile in the last five miles approaching the traffic merge point to the work zone.

In 2024, crews will resurface northbound and southbound I-35 and reconstruct ramps at Rice County Road 48, Highway 60 and Highway 21. In 2023, work included construction of median crossover lanes, resurfacing southbound I-35 between Bagley Avenue/Western Avenue and Rice County Road 48, and rehabilitating the flyover ramp (southbound Lyndale Avenue) from Highland Place to southbound I-35 and the northbound ramp at Highway 21.

Traffic impacts

There will be four different phases of traffic impacts. Mid-April to May :  View map

• I-35 northbound traffic moved into southbound lane. I-35 southbound and northbound traffic will each travel in a single lane, head-to-head, in the I-35 southbound lanes.
• I-35 northbound off ramps to County Road 48 and Highway 60 closed. Traffic will take the Highway 21 off-ramp.
• I-35 northbound on-ramp from Highway 60 closed. Traffic will be directed to take Highway 60 to Highway 21 northbound.

May to July

• I-35 northbound off-ramps to Highway 21 and Highway 60 closed. Traffic will take the off-ramp to County Road 48.

July to October

• I-35 southbound traffic moved into northbound lane. I-35 southbound and northbound traffic will each travel in a single lane, head-to-head, in the I-35 northbound lanes.
• I-35 southbound on-ramps from Highway 21 and Highway 60 closed. Traffic will be detoured to use the on-ramp from Highway 21/Co. R. 48.
• I-35 southbound off-ramp to Highway 60 closed. Traffic will exit at Highway 21 southbound to Highway 60.
• I-35 northbound and southbound will be single lanes while crossovers/emergency pull off are removed and high-tension cable barrier is installed.

To learn more about this project, go to MnDOT’s website where you can also sign up for email and text message updates.

• Investigates
• Houston Life
• Newsletters

WEATHER ALERT

4 warnings in effect for 5 counties in the area

🚗your weekly traffic update: 3 things to know this weekend.

Justina Latimer , Traffic Expert

HOUSTON – Bayou City!

Are you traveling throughout Houston this weekend? Here are three things you should know when it comes to the roads and transportation:

Recommended Videos

➡️Not subscribed? Click here to sign up!

Sam Houston Tollway Ship Channel Bridge

This weekend, you can expect to see a closure on the southbound lanes on the Ship Channel Bridge. This closure will take place Friday at 10:00 p.m. through Sunday at 9:00 p.m. The idea of this closure is to prepare for further work. Starting Sunday at 9:00 p.m. the right southbound lane on the Sam Houston Tollway Ship Channel Bridge will be an extended closure for about four months.

I-610 North Loop

Do you often travel on the North Loop? Well, there will be a big closure this weekend that may impact you. The Texas Department of Transportation plans to close the westbound lanes of the 610 North Loop from Hardy Toll Rd to Airline Dr. This will allow crews to conduct pavement repairs. This closure will kick off on Friday at 9:00 p.m. through Sunday at 5:00 a.m. Drivers should anticipate delays and consider alternate routes.

METRORail Improvements

Due to METRORail improvements there will be changes to the weekend service. From April 20-21st METRO will offer a modified service on the Purple line. The two-way bus shuttle service between the Palm Center Transit Center to Eado / Stadium station will run every 12 minutes. If you are a rider, be sure to plan. The bus shuttle service is free.

Travel smart & have a wonderful weekend!

Justina Latimer | KPRC 2 Traffic Expert

Have a traffic question? I can help.

What do you want to know about Houston traffic? We will be answering your questions on-air. You can email them to [email protected] or ask here!

• The new airport in Tulum, Mexico opened in 2023. By the end of March, those traveling out of Houston will now be able to fly to the location directly on United Airlines.

Recent headlines

• 4-year-old girl hospitalized after major crash with possible drunk driver
• Parking mobile homes in residential neighborhood streets: Ask 2

Weekend construction

• There will be lane closures on I-10 heading westbound from Spur 330/Decker Drive to Monmouth Drive starting Friday at 9 p.m. until Monday at 5 a.m. One lane will remain open.

Houston’s big projects

• The Gulf Freeway Expansion
• The Grand Parkway
• The West Loop-Southwest Freeway Interchange Rebuild

Get your traffic news, maps , and route planner 24/7 at Click2Houston.com/traffic .

Copyright 2023 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Justina latimer.

Justina Latimer is a New York native raised in the suburbs of Baltimore. Before joining the KPRC 2 team, she was a fill-in anchor and multimedia journalist at WSMV-TV, the NBC affiliate in Nashville, TN.

• Entertainment
• KSAT Insider
• Newsletters

Loop 1604 Traffic Alert: Another round of major closures scheduled this weekend on far NW Side

Loop 1604 west and east main lanes will close starting friday 9 p.m. to monday 5 a.m. (april 19-22).

RJ Marquez , Traffic Anchor/Reporter

SAN ANTONIO – Another round of major closures is scheduled on the far Northwest Side this weekend for the massive Loop 1604 North Expansion Project.

TxDOT will have a full closure of the Loop 1604 east and westbound main lanes at the I-10 interchange starting at 9 p.m. on Friday until 5 a.m. on Monday.

TxDOT will also close all four cloverleaf ramps at the Loop 1604 and I-10 interchange, and the I-10 westbound frontage road. However, unlike the previous weekend, the main lanes of I-10 at the interchange will remain open in both directions.

This is a full closure and lanes are expected to remain closed for the entire duration of the weekend. Crews are installing steel beams for a second flyover ramp. Local law enforcement will direct traffic through the intersections during this time. Below is a map and detour information.

I-10 westbound to Loop 1604 westbound

Travelers on I-10 WB looking to access Loop 1604 WB will exit at La Cantera Parkway to the I-10 WB frontage road and then utilize the U-turn at La Cantera Parkway. Travelers will follow the I-10 EB frontage road back to the Loop 1604 WB frontage road, entering the Loop 1604 WB mainlanes after Valero Way.

I-10 eastbound to Loop 1604 eastbound

Travelers on I-10 EB looking to access Loop 1604 EB will exit to the I-10 EB frontage road after La Cantera Parkway and follow the I-10 EB frontage road through the Loop 1604 interchange. Travelers will utilize the U-turn at UTSA Boulevard then follow the I-10 WB frontage road to the Loop 1604 WB frontage road. Traffic can enter the Loop 1604 EB mainlanes via the entrance ramp just before Vance Jackson Road.

Loop 1604 westbound mainlanes and to I-10 eastbound

All travelers on the Loop 1604 WB mainlanes will exit to the Loop 1604 WB frontage road after Vance Jackson Road. Travelers looking to continue through the I-10 interchange will follow the exit to the I-10 WB frontage road and utilize the U-turn at La Cantera Parkway. Travelers will follow the I-10 EB frontage road back to the Loop 1604 WB frontage road, entering the Loop 1604 WB mainlanes after Valero Way. Travelers looking to access I-10 EB will follow the exit to the I-10 WB frontage road and utilize the U-turn at La Cantera Parkway. Travelers will follow the I-10 EB frontage road through the Loop 1604 interchange, entering the I-10 EB mainlanes via the entrance ramp before UTSA Boulevard.

Loop 1604 eastbound mainlanes and to I-10 westbound

All travelers on the Loop 1604 EB mainlanes will exit to the Loop 1604 EB frontage road after La Cantera Parkway. Travelers looking to continue through the I-10 interchange will follow the exit to the I-10 EB frontage road and utilize the U-turn at UTSA Boulevard. Travelers will follow the I-10 WB frontage road back to the Loop 1604 EB frontage road, entering the Loop 1604 EB mainlanes before Vance Jackson Road. Travelers looking to access I-10 WB will follow the exit to the I-10 EB frontage road and utilize the U-turn at UTSA Boulevard. Travelers will follow the I-10 WB frontage road to the Loop 1604 WB frontage road. Traffic can then utilize the signalized turnaround at Vance Jackson Road to enter the Loop 1604 WB frontage road following signs for I-10 WB. Traffic can enter the I-10 WB mainlanes via the entrance ramp before La Cantera Parkway.

Additional major closures are currently scheduled for the remaining weekends in April at the Loop 1604 and I-10 interchange to allow crews to install approximately 20 steel beams for construction of the flyover ramps.

Construction schedules are subject to change and weather permitting. The Loop 1604 North Expansion is planned in six segments with four segments currently under construction.

Copyright 2024 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

About the Author

RJ Marquez is the traffic anchor/reporter for KSAT’s Good Morning San Antonio. He also fills in as a news anchor and has covered stories from breaking news and Fiesta to Spurs championships and high school sports. RJ started at KSAT in 2010. He is proud to serve our viewers and be a part of the culture and community that makes San Antonio great.

Recommended Videos

• Puget Sound
• Traffic Lab

I-405 and Highway 522 toll-lane roadwork will clog Eastside this weekend

Two lanes of southbound I-405 in Bellevue, along with its entry and exit ramps at Southeast Eighth Street, will close all weekend for paving.

At about the same time, one lane of westbound Highway 522 in Bothell, and all the eastbound lanes, will close, too, for work at the massive Sammamish River/I-405 interchange.

The I-405 job is scheduled from 11 p.m. Friday, April 19, until 5 a.m. Monday, April 22. It’s part of the Washington State Department of Transportation’s broader $750 million widening project to build express toll lanes for the south half of I-405 between Bellevue and Renton, opening in 2025.

This weekend’s construction area roughly extends from downtown Bellevue to the I-90 junction.

The lanes will “taper back open” with enough room for southbound I-405 drivers to use the right-side ramps for both west- and eastbound directions of I-90, according to Craig Smiley, a project spokesperson.

The high-occupancy lane of southbound I-405 will be open to all drivers. Detour routes will be marked for roads around the Southeast Eighth interchange.

Up north in Bothell, the Highway 522 lane closures go from 10 p.m. Friday, April 19, until 4 a.m. Monday, April 22.

If drivers do insist on going east into Woodinville, they’ll be detoured south into I-405, then exit at Northeast 160th Street, with the opportunity to backtrack on northbound I-405 until they rejoin 522 east of the interchange.

A second express toll lane each way is being added in that area, to loosen traffic bottlenecks where the freeway has only three total lanes in Bothell.

Crews will shift westbound Highway 522 lanes into the eastbound side, creating space for contractors to renovate I-405 and connecting ramps, through 2028. The 522 mainline below I-405 will be permanently reduced to 35 mph, and eventually, three traffic lights will be installed, Smiley said.

Lane closures on the Eastside coincide with roadwork west of Lake Washington , where northbound I-5 in Seattle will undergo a three-lane closure this weekend next to Boeing Field.

Slowdowns in Bellevue and Seattle could affect how people get to the Sounders FC soccer match at 7:30 p.m. Saturday or a Reign FC match at 3 p.m. Sunday. Allow extra time for trips through the paving zones.

Most Read Local Stories

• Retired Navy doctor identified as man shot by police in Tukwila hotel
• The WA GOP put it in writing that they're not into democracy
• WA to launch EV rebate program. Here's what you could save
• Tesla driver was using Autopilot before fatal Monroe crash, police say
• In Seattle, even the rich can't escape the high cost of poverty

The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

Police conduct safety checks and traffic stops on Tybee as Orange Crush weekend begins

How to spend a perfect weekend in Moscow

Feb 11, 2020 • 5 min read

Moscow enjoyed the status of capital for most of Russia’s history, except for a relatively brief period (about two hundred years), when the Tsar and the government relocated to St Petersburg . But the Bolsheviks moved the capital back to Moscow in 1918, and today it’s an extremely diverse city. It can easily take a couple of weeks to see all of its sights, but if you've only got a weekend to explore, here's how to have two perfect days in Moscow.

Start your weekend in Moscow by acquainting yourself with top-notch Russian cuisine at Grand Cafe Dr Zhivago . Located on the first floor of the historical hotel National and overlooking the Kremlin, it’s definitely one of the best breakfast spots in the city. Try millet porridge with crawfish, pearl barley porridge with oxtail or traditional cottage cheese with raisins and candied fruit.

Set aside at least half a day for Russian capital’s major attractions: the Red Square and the Kremlin . To reach the Kremlin, cross the street from Dr Zhivago and walk through the Alexander Garden to the main entrance at the Kutafya Tower . Check out all the cathedrals, including Archangel cathedral with all the tsars’ tombs and Uspensky cathedral with medieval icons. Pause to look at the famous Tsar Bell and climb Ivan the Great Bell Tower to enjoy some great views.

Exit and walk to the Red Square through the Alexander Garden, where, if lucky, you can see the change of guard. If you’re feeling hungry, stop by the food court at Okhotny Ryad shopping complex to pick up a snack.

The Red square is dominated by four buildings of equal historical importance: the Kremlin's most famous Spasskaya (Saviour) Tower , with a clock and fourteen bells that chime national anthem four times a day (6am, noon, 6pm, midnight), St Basil's Cathedral , Moscow's best-known symbol with its multi-colored domes, Lenin’s Mausoleum , the resting place of the leader of the 1917 October revolution, and GUM , Moscow's oldest department store, topped with a glass roof, designed by one of Russia's most celebrated architects, Vladimir Shukhov. 

A guide to shopping in Moscow

Right behind the St Basil’s it is the relatively new Zaryadye Park , designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, famous for its work on the High Line in New York City. Zaryadye showcases flora from all the climate zones of Russia, which is the largest country in the world. The floating bridge at the edge of the park is one of the biggest selfie magnets in Moscow, providing spectacular views of the river and the city skyline as the background. 

Another Zaryadye attraction is a glass pavilion that hosts restaurant Voskhod  (Sunrise) – a perfect spot for your lunch or early dinner. Voskhod focuses on dishes from all fifteen former Soviet Union republics and its inside looks like a Soviet-made spaceship with great views of the Moscow river. Try Azeri home-made pasta or trout from Lake Sevan in Armenia.

After all that walking and exploring you need some quality downtime and what better way to spend it than relaxing for a couple of hours at the famous Sanduny  traditional Russian hot bath. Make sure to get a massage with birch sticks!

You might still have time to go to Winzavod Center – a creative cluster with galleries housed at a former wine factory. Galleries like XL , pop/off/art and Ovcharenko always have something on, most likely a cutting-edge Russian contemporary art exhibition. Finish the evening hanging out at one of the best Moscow bars – try socialites’ paradise Noor Electro , co-joined with one of Moscow’s avant-garde theatres or Powerhouse Moscow , located in a 19th-century mansion, which is famous for live indie and jazz band performances. Both serve great food, too. 

Power up for a busy day ahead at one of Moscow’s trendiest coffee/breakfast spots,   Nude . Located in the upscale, well-heeled neighborhood of Patriarch’s Ponds, Nude offers a wide range of breakfast dishes, including scrambled eggs, toast, porridge and banana bread. Book ahead as it might be busy on a weekend morning.

After checking out the Patriarch's Ponds, which features prominently in Mikhail Bulgakov’s perennial novel The Master and Margarita , devote the rest of the morning and early afternoon to exploring Moscow’s best museums. Depending on your tastes, pick one of the following: Tretyakov Gallery for traditional Russian art, from medieval icons to the early 20th century;  New Tretyakov for 20th century and contemporary art as well as great temporary exhibitions;  Pushkin Museum for one of the greatest collections of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art in the world; and the Garage Museum for some eye-opening modern-art exhibitions. 

Whichever museum or gallery you choose, be sure to go to LavkaLavka for lunch, certainly one of the best places to try new Russian cuisine, which is a contemporary reading of centuries-old recipes. It’s one of the few places to try polugar , which is, allegedly, what Russians called vodka in the 19th century. 

When you talk about Russian culture, literary giants usually pop into mind: the likes of Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Anton Chekhov. There are plenty of literary museums in Moscow, but if you had to pick one, visit Tolstoy Estate Museum , located just opposite the headquarters of Yandex, the Russian equivalent of Google. Every little detail has been restored just the way it looked when Tolstoy lived here in the 1880s–90s. 

Leave some time for exploring the Moscow Metro : every station is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. Our favorites include Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya and Kievskaya. Later, unwind at one of dozens of Moscow’s craft beer places . Try  Jawsspot , named after one of the leading breweries in Russia, Jaws from the Urals region, which also serves decent pizza and salads.  

You might also like:

Why food markets in Moscow are having a moment    Russia for first-timers: dos and don’ts    Russia's best drinks and where to try them   

Explore related stories

Sustainable Travel

Jul 18, 2023 • 5 min read

How one writer followed the Silk Road from Khiva to Bukhara to Samarkand in Uzbekistan – all by train.

Jul 3, 2023 • 3 min read

Dec 29, 2021 • 7 min read

Oct 24, 2021 • 4 min read

Sep 24, 2021 • 6 min read

Sep 20, 2021 • 5 min read

Mar 16, 2021 • 9 min read

Mar 1, 2021 • 9 min read

Oct 12, 2020 • 6 min read

Jun 18, 2020 • 5 min read

The Diary of a Passionate Traveler

Moscow: Things To Do

Dear lilioftheworld.com reader, here is Lili, your co-editor. Today we travel to the capital of one of the biggest countries in the world and the largest city on the European continent. Yes, it is Moscow. In the lines below we will give you our suggestion on how to spend a weekend in this wonderful place. The time isn’t enough for this huge city, but we give you the essential things to do. We went there in the beginning of September 2019. Moscow hasn’t been on the top of our bucket list, but we always wanted to see the Red Square and Kremlin. We were lucky to visit Moscow during the 872 celebration of Moscow City Day (the 7th and 8th of September).

I’ve heard many things about Moscow before going there. It is a big city with heavy traffic, it is very crowded, extremely expensive, but also beautiful. Some of these things turned out to be true, but others I cannot agree with. Below I will explain why.

Lili’s 5 good-to-know things when traveling to Moscow:

Moscow has three international airports- Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME) and Vnukovo (VKO). Check carefully which one you are landing at and how do you get to the city from there. As I had not prepared anything for this trip (this time I left the whole organization to Dimo), I was surprised when he told me that the airport we landed at, Domodedovo, is 50 km away from the city. As we were arriving late on a Friday evening, there was no public transport. I was quite worried about what would be the taxi price for a city which everyone says is very expensive! The taxi charged us only €25 for these 50 km, during the night. I say “only €25”, because the taxi from Hamburg airport (which is in the city) to where I live is usually €30 (around 12 km).

On our way back to the airport, we took a taxi which took us there for €12 (it was during the day). In the next point I will tell you which taxi company we used.

Moscow things to do:

As hinted in the beginning two days are not enough to see everything. That is why we just focused on the city center and tried to feel the spirit of the Russian culture.

The Kremlin highlights

T he complex is quite big and you need around two hours to walk around. The tour starts with the four cathedrals- Cathedral of the Dormition, Annunciation Cathedral, Cathedral of the Archangel and Ivan the Great Bell Tower.

The audio guide tells you an excessively long story, but it describes in detail every part of the Cathedrals.

Important thing to know is that it is not allowed to take pictures inside them. I did so and a tour guide was a bit angry with me.

Another interesting point is the Tsar Bell. Made of bronze, the bell cracked during a fire after being completed and thus was never in operation.

The giant bell is the largest bell in the world- it weighs more than 200 kg and is around six meters high. The decorations of the bell are relief images of baroque angels, plants, oval medallions with saints and nearly life-size images of Empress Anna and Tsar Alexey.

Take the subway

Moscow subway was another place where we had doubts whether we are in Sofia or in Moscow. The reason is that our metro trains look exactly the same as the ones in Moscow. Most probably we had bought them second hand after they were out of usage in Russia.

But I wanted to talk about something else. The subway stations are famous as the “underground gallery” of Moscow. When researching, I found an i nteresting blog of a lady who named many interesting stations (she is working in the railway industry and this is her passion). So I will just “steal the list with pride” from her:

• Komsomolskaya, Krasnye vorota, Kropotkinskaya, Vorob’yevy gory: Line 1, red
• Mayakovskaya, Novokuznetskaya, Avtozavodskaya: Line 2, green
• Park Pobedy, Kievskaya, Arbatskaya, Ploschad Revolyutsii, Elektrozavodskaya: Line 3, blue
• Taganskaya, Komsomolskaya, Prospekt mira, Novoslobodskaya, Kievskaya: Line 5, brown
• Pushkinskaya, Kuznetskiy most: Line 7, purple
• Nagatinskaya: Line 9, grey

Bolshoi Theatre

Ideally you can attend any of the performances which you can find on the link behind it. However, if you do not have time, you can just pass by and admire the monolithic building. The Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera are among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world.

It is by far the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers. The theater is the parent company of The Bolshoi Ballet Academy, a world-famous leading school of ballet.

The next two points you will not find in most guides for Moscow things to do. This comes from our passion for views from above. 

Have a drink with a view O2 Lounge

As we like rooftop bars and we wanted to see the fireworks for the Moscow city day, we checked the options. Although we did not intend it, we visited two rooftop bars for this weekend. The first one- O2 Lounge , has better view- directly to the Red Square and the Kremlin.

However, they had no free tables for the evening. We decided to have a drink during the day. This bar was expensive, but we expected this. It is at the Ritz Carlton hotel. And if I have to compare it, the drinks were cheaper than its equivalent in Vienna which does not even have a view to the Red Square or a similar landmark 🙂 The atmosphere was peaceful, there weren’t many visitors at this time (although the streets were full of people). Definitely a good place to have a drink and enjoy the view.

Watch the fireworks from Conservatory Lounge&Bar  

The second rooftop bar we checked with the hope to have free seats for the fireworks was Conservatory Lounge&Bar. It is located in another expensive hotel- Park Hyatt. We were lucky this time and we could get a seat. Although the bar was not cheap, the service and the whole experience were great.

The view of the city is spectacular. If you have time, go there for the sunset. Unfortunately due to traffic, we missed it :-(. The concept of the bar is great- they offer very interesting organic cocktails. I could even take the recipe for the cocktail I ordered from the menu as a postcard memory – this was cute.

The fireworks were spread in different parts of the city. It was not as spectacular as we expected, but still the overal atmosphere and sight made the evening very special for us. 

You won’t be surprised if I tell you that I fell in love with Moscow. It is neither crowded, nor expensive, nor can I complain from the traffic. It is simply beautiful. I cannot wait to go to Saint Petersburg which everyone says is even more interesting than Moscow. 

I hope you enjoyed this mini trip. For more Weekend Escape ideas, just visit the respective section. And if you also want to know how to better plan and manage your weekend trips , we have some tips for you.

7 Office Exercises To Be Always Fit

You may also like.

British Virgin Islands in a Day

Oman: What to Do

Clear Skies, Full Roads: Traffic Alert For Tampa Bay AirFest 2024

T AMPA, Fla. - Tampa Bay Airfest 2024 soars into MacDill Air Force Base this weekend, bringing with it extreme thrills and extreme traffic.

Upwards of 150,000 visitors are expected to attend the free two-day event, which takes place Friday and Saturday, March 29-30.

Both MacDill AFB and the City of Tampa are encouraging visitors to ARRIVE EARLY to the base and be patient, as traffic is likely to back up quickly. Parking is also expected to fill up fast. Remember, gates open at 8 am.

Read: Tampa Native Named Naval Legal Service Command 2023 Service Member Of The Year

Be on the lookout for the numerous traffic control signs, detours, and law enforcement officers directing traffic near the base.

Keep in mind that typical travel lanes may be adjusted to ensure order and security.

Also, there will be no inbound traffic allowed on side streets near MacDill AFB. Drivers should avoid South Himes Avenue altogether because of a full road closure due to construction from West Bay Avenue to Interbay.

Due to personnel and logistical issues, mass transportation for Tampa Bay Airfest 2024 will not be allowed. MacDill AFB also discourages guests from using ride share services and recommends guests carpool using their own transportation. Pedestrian and bicycles are allowed, but bicycle riders must wear a helmet to ride on base. Bike riders may enter through any gate. Guests should be prepared for congestion and delays leaving the event as well.

・Vehicles coming from South Tampa and areas of East Tampa should utilize the Dale Mabry and MacDill Ave. gates.

・Vehicles coming from areas of West Tampa should utilize S. Westshore Blvd to Interbay to enter the Tanker Way gate (just east of Manhattan Ave.).

・Bayshore Gate is ONLY for DoD/military ID cardholders. Everyone in the vehicle entering through the Bayshore Gate must possess a military ID. If you try to bring someone without a military ID as a passenger, you will be turned around and directed to one of the other three gates.

・Full road closure on S. Himes Ave (from W. Bay Ave. to Interbay) to due to construction.

・Boaters are permitted to view the event from the water, however, DO NOT ENTER the clearly marked MacDill Exclusion Zone around MacDill AFB or you will be given a very expensive ticket (NO WARNINGS WILL BE GIVEN OUT)!

Drones are NOT permitted.

For additional event information, check out tampabayairfest.com or download the Tampa Bay AirFest 2024 app available for Apple and Android.

__ Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here . __

Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter . Sign up for our free newsletter .