Near-record number of travelers expected this Thanksgiving in Illinois

Posted on November 27, 2019
For the 11th year in a row, there will be more people traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday, according to AAA. (Photo Facebook/Illinois Department of Transporation)

 

By Illinois Radio Network/Jim Moran

SPRINGFIELD – A near-record number of people plan to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Illinois State Police along with many local law enforcement agencies will be out in force with roadside safety checks and beefed up patrols.

AAA said that this Thanksgiving weekend is expected to be the second busiest for travel in the past two decades. In Illinois, about 2.9 million people are expected to travel by car or plane. Nationally, more than 55 million people are expected to travel for the holiday.

Molly Hart, a spokesperson for AAA, said 2005 was the busiest Thanksgiving travel weekend since the motor club started tracking travel volume in 2000. AAA attributes a strong economy and low unemployment for the increase in travelers.  This will be the 11th straight year that Thanksgiving travel volume has increased.

The Illinois State Police said more motorists on the roads will mean more Illinois State Troopers. The state agency will have increased patrols starting Wednesday and going through Monday.

Illinois State Police spokeswoman Mindy Carroll said troopers will be focused on speeders, distracted drivers, intoxicated drivers and seat belt violations.

The Illinois State Police won’t be the only law enforcement agency with increased enforcement this weekend.

“Even local law enforcement agencies are funded for additional patrols and additional roadside safety checks,” Carroll said.

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, the Illinois Department of Transportation will reopen construction lanes where possible to minimize traffic issues. The non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3 p.m. Wednesday through  11:59 p.m. Sunday.

The open lanes won’t mean higher speeds. IDOT reminded drivers that work zone speed limits will remain in effect where posted.

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