Credit: PA Internet News Service
Thanksgiving holiday travel in the region is expected to come close to pre-pandemic levels this year, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.
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According to a AAA Mid-Atlantic news release, a total of 670,000 people from the Philadelphia region are anticipated to travel, with more than 595,000 of them taking the roads.
Travel in the Philadelphia region will grow by around 2 percent in 2022 compared to 2021. Statewide, that number is the same, AAA said.
“Thanksgiving travel volume is expected to reach near pre-pandemic levels this year, an indicator that travel demand is rebounding as people flock to the roadways, airways and more to be with family and friends,” said Jana Tidwell, AAA’s manager of public and government affairs for the Mid-Atlantic region. “As we approach some of the busiest travel days of the year, AAA urges travelers to plan ahead and pack patience for a safe and stress-free travel experience.”
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With 3.5 million drivers expected to travel the statewide highway system during the course of the six-day Thanksgiving holiday, from Tuesday through Sunday, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission anticipates it will be the biggest travel day of the year.
Tuesday and Wednesday of Thanksgiving week will be the heaviest travel days, so travelers should plan their trips accordingly, according to Pennsylvania Turnpike officials.
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“We want all travelers to stay safe this holiday season,” said Pennsylvania Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “Holiday activities can increase our levels of stress and fatigue, and this can contribute to distracted driving. Other activities that take drivers’ attention off the road, including talking or texting on cellphones, eating, turning your head to talk with passengers, and adjusting vehicle controls are major safety threats. Avoid doing that while driving. And most importantly, if you are tired it is crucial that you ask someone else to drive or take a rest before getting behind the wheel.”
PennDOT said their Regional Traffic Management Centers throughout the state serve as hubs where PennDOT traffic control specialists will be monitoring a network of 1,000 traffic cameras to help keep roads open and traffic flowing.
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Over the holiday travel season, state police will have increased enforcement of distracted and intoxicated driving.
Lane restrictions will be lifted and construction projects suspended whenever it is feasible by PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike over the holiday travel season, officials said.
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