Game’s toughest drive: to Corvallis

Never mind how to get to Glendale, Ariz., on Jan. 10, Oregon football fans. The question for Saturday is: How to get to Corvallis — the site of the only game that UO head coach Chip Kelly says he is aware of — with minimal driving headaches.

And that would go for Oregon State fans, as well, who will be traveling to arguably the biggest game in Civil War history (at least for the Ducks) from points north and south along Interstate 5, not to mention those fans coming from the coast or central and eastern parts of the state.

Expect some bottlenecking if you don’t allow yourself plenty of time to arrive for the 12:30 p.m. game that will be broadcast nationally on ABC.

Some fans will be heading to Corvallis even earlier Saturday, as the ESPN College GameDay show will broadcast from campus beginning at 6 a.m.

Oregon State Police troopers, county deputies and several city police agencies will be on the alert for problems associated with extra traffic-related congestion and drivers who may be impatient, aggressive or impaired. An estimated 15,000 extra vehicles on Interstate 5 and roads leading into Corvallis will snag travel times and increase the potential for problems.

State Department of Transportation response personnel will be available to help police and head to reported incidents to help keep traffic moving on area roads.

“The safety of all fans, players, coaches and officials remain our number one priority at the game,” state police Lt. Jeff Lanz said. “Remember that possessing alcohol, being overly intoxicated or acting in a disruptive or obnoxious manner are some of the actions that will get you removed from the stadium and/or cited,” Lanz said.

Oregon State Police suggest that drivers keep these simple safety tips in mind:

Have a game plan before you leave.

Be alert and patient so you can make safe driving decisions.

Avoid distractions and keep your emotions in check while driving and when at the game.

Fasten your safety belt and have a sober, rested driver behind the wheel of your vehicle going to and returning from the game.

State, county and city police along with the Transportation Department encourage reporting any possible intoxicated or dangerous driver by calling 911 or OSP dispatch at 800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865).

Up to the minute road and traffic condition updates are available on ODOT’s travel information website at www.TripCheck.com or by calling 511. For anyone who can’t access 511, road and weather information also can be accessed toll-free within Oregon by dialing 800-977-ODOT (6368).