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Pennsylvania Turnpike expects Wednesday to be busiest day for Thanksgiving travel

PITTSBURGH — It’s the day before Thanksgiving, and if you’re driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Wednesday is when the most traffic will be on the road for the holiday.

According to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, 3.1 million motorists will be traveling from Tuesday until Sunday. Peak travel is expected Wednesday, with 630,000 vehicles on the toll road. The busiest time is expected from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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So far, so good for Erin and Michael Tillery from Cranberry Township, who are on their way to Richmond Virginia.

“Yeah, we just started. Grabbed a little breakfast and ready to go fight the masses.”

Overall, holiday traffic is up 39% over the same travel period last year, however, slightly down from prior to the pandemic.

With the heavier volumes of traffic, the turnpike said safety is key and drivers are advised to be prepared for slowdowns, move over onto the shoulder for law enforcement and first responders, and give plenty of extra time to arrive at your destination.

And, most importantly, from driver Jim Polcyn from Detroit, Michigan: “Slow down. That would be the best thing to do, you know. You drive for the conditions.”

Turnpike officials are also asking drivers to pack their patience.