KENNEWICK, Wash. – Thanksgiving is around the corner, and according to Triple-A, more people are expected to drive for the holiday than last year. Triple-A predicts more than 55 million people will travel 50 miles or more for the Thanksgiving holiday, an increase of over 2 percent from last year.
People are coming and going this time of year, making it a busier traveling time. Washington State Department of Transportation‘s Summer Derrey tells me this is especially true on 1-90.
Derrey said, “During the winter holidays, we see an increase in traffic. We see an increase in traffic eastbound across the state of Washington, that’s on the Wednesday, Thursday, Friday kind of time frame and then everybody goes back to the west side of the state all at once.”
Derrey said westbound on Sunday is the busiest travel day they see. She tells me there is a tool on the WSDOT website called Thanksgiving Travel Times.
“The Department of Transportation lists travel graphs for a number of high-traffic areas across the state of Washington, including I-5, I-90 up north on Stevens Pass,” said Derrey.
Kara Vogt is a local business owner who has previously traveled across the passes in the winter. She tells me she uses the travel graphs, and they’ve helped.
“They can kind of alert you if there’s heavier times of traffic or if there’s going to be delays,” said Vogt. “So it’s important that you check all of that before you hit the road.”
Derrey’s advice is to check the WSDOT website and leave early.
“I would recommend leaving early on Wednesday morning,” said Derrey. “I personally prefer driving in daylight hours. So, I personally don’t recommend going on the later end, but it really is up to your personal preference.”
The Department of Transportation says anyone traveling should be prepared and make sure to pack chains for their tires, blankets, and extra food and water.