OHIO — The roads in the Buckeye State are going to be much busier this Thanksgiving compared to last year.

What You Need To Know

  • Now that many COVID restrictions have been rolled back compared to last year, millions are hitting the road to see their loved ones

  • While ODOT is suspending much of the roadwork, Ohioans may still experience delays  — click here for details

  • AAA gave tips on the best and worst times to travel this year between Wednesday and Sunday

The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts nearly 2.2 million Ohioans will travel between Wednesday, Nov. 23 and Sunday, Nov. 28. That's an increase from last year, which AAA estimated nearly 2.1 million residents traveled for the holiday. In 2019, that number was closer to 2.3 million. 

This year's estimation would be the highest single-year increase in Thanksgiving travel since 2005. 

The Ohio Department of Transportation is suspending much of the roadwork for this week, but Ohioans could still experience delays, especially on I-75 in Toledo, Dayton and Cincinnati, I-70 in Springfield and Zanesville, I-70/71 in downtown Columbus, and I-76 and I-77 in Akron.

ODOT is directing drivers to use OHGO.com and the OHGO app, which shows an updated map of work zones, traffic conditions and more.

Nationally, 53.4 million people are expected to either drive or fly for Thanksgiving this year, which is up 13.5% from last year, according to AAA.

Air travel will pick up greatly this year — 80% more than last year, AAA stated. A lot of the downfall of air travel last year was because of restrictions placed on airlines for COVID-19 protocols.

“This Thanksgiving, travel will look a lot different than last year,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel. “Now that the borders are open and new health and safety guidelines are in place, travel is once again high on the list for Americans who are ready to reunite with their loved ones for the holiday.”

More than 48 million people are expected to drive to their destination, which is up from 44 million last year. More than 4 million people are planning to fly, which is double than the number of people who flew last year. Over 1 million others are expecting to take a different form of transit like busses, which is a stark increase from the estimated 281,000 who did the same last year, according to AAA.

Best and worst times to travel

Wednesday

  • Best time: After 9 p.m.
  • Worst time: Between 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday

  • Best time: Before 11 a.m.
  • Worst time: Between 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday

  • Best time: Before 11 a.m.
  • Worst time: Between 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday

  • Best time: Before 12 p.m.
  • Worst time: Between 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday

  • Before 12 p.m.
  • Worst time: Between 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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