The Thanksgiving Traffic Tradition - A Recipe for a Stuffed Highway

Every November, America hits the road. Whether it's families heading home, friends gathering for "Friendsgiving," or travelers chasing a long weekend getaway, the nation's interstates see some of their heaviest use of the year. In fact, AAA estimates that over 80 million people travel more than 50 miles during Thanksgiving week, with the majority traveling by car. That makes the week leading up to Thanksgiving one of the most congested—and dangerous—times for highway travel.

From I-95 along the East Coast to I-5 on the Pacific, certain stretches of roadway become annual bottlenecks, especially around bridge crossings—then add in tourist confusion for a perfect disaster. Let's explore the busiest interstates that carry Americans to their holiday destinations, the trends that shape travel, and the infrastructure that helps keep everyone safe along the way.

The Busiest Interstates for Thanksgiving Travel

I-95: The East Coast Corridor

Running from Maine to Florida, I-95 is one of the most heavily traveled highways and, according to NHTSA, is the most dangerous in the nation. During Thanksgiving week, major metropolitan areas like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York see gridlock that spans for miles. According to transportation analytics firms, travel times along the Northeast Corridor can double during peak days, particularly the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—but that's the case for any of these busy highways.

I-10: Coast-to-Coast Connection

Cutting through Mississippi's Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas, I-10 connects warm-weather destinations like Gulfport, Pascagoula, and New Orleans—ideal for those escaping colder climates. This southern route also serves as a critical corridor for commercial freight, meaning passenger traffic competes with high volumes of trucks during the holiday season, contributing to the spike in crash rates during Thanksgiving weekend.

I-75: The Midwestern Motorway

For travelers journeying between the Midwest and the South, I-75 runs north-south, connecting several significant metropolises like Miami, Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Detroit. This makes I-75 a critical corridor for both holiday travelers and commercial freight, spanning approximately 1,786 miles from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes. Midwestern sections are prone to unpredictable weather this time of year and grow increasingly dangerous as roads are covered with ice or snow, adding to travel delays and safety concerns.

I-5: A Western Holiday Highway

In the West, I-5 is 1,381 miles running parallel to the Pacific Coast and in 2019 was the third most dangerous road in the US. As the main artery connecting San Diego, Los Angeles, Oregon, and Washington, the holidays only add to its congestion and, in turn, the number of accidents. I-5 is also a popular highway for 18-wheelers, making it more dangerous for the out-of-state visitor.

Peak Travel Times & Thanksgiving Traffic Patterns

According to INRIX and AAA data, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (especially between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.) is the busiest time to be on the road. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is close behind as travelers return home. Drivers who can leave early Tuesday or delay departure until Thanksgiving morning often find smoother sailing.

A notable trend in recent years is the growth of micro-getaways—shorter, regional trips that add congestion to secondary interstates and state highways. Even lesser-known corridors like I-26 in the Carolinas or I-75 through Georgia see spikes as drivers look for alternate routes.

The Role of Road Signage in Holiday Travel

When millions are on the road, clear and reliable signage is essential to keep people on the move. From digital message boards warning of accidents and delays to reflective guide signs visible through rain, fog, or snow, highway signage plays a vital role in keeping traffic flowing safely.

Temporary signage, detour notices, and weather-related warnings all increase in importance during this season of heightened mobility. At Interstate Signways, our weather-resistant, MUTCD-compliant products help ensure that every traveler can navigate safely no matter the conditions, but this is only beneficial for the states that are willing to begin preparing their signage now.

Thanksgiving Traffic Travel Tips: Getting Ahead

For those traveling through states that may not prepare for the influx of drivers this upcoming holiday season, be proactive by adopting a few of these helpful tips:

• Plan departures early. Leave before 10 a.m. or travel on Tuesday, if possible.

• Use real-time traffic apps to monitor incidents and reroute around congestion. Last year, Google Maps was the app that had the most up-to-date satellite monitoring, and if it ain't broke…

• Watch for work zones and temporary detours. These increase before winter construction shutdowns and can be noted via digital signage or via the bright pink fluorescent signage that indicates temporary hazards.

• Stay alert. Drowsy and distracted driving spikes during long-distance trips.

• Check the weather. Many interstates cross regions with rapidly changing conditions.

  
  

Share the Road, Share the Season

Thanksgiving traffic is a shared experience between millions of drivers with their own destination but a common purpose: getting to their families and then heading home. As interstates carry that annual migration, good preparation and safe driving make all the difference.

At Interstate Signways, we're proud to help guide those journeys with every sign along the way.