BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Leaders in charge of roadways in the Two Virginias say they’re expecting heavy travel as Thanksgiving approaches.
Jeff Miller, the executive director for the West Virginia Parkways Authority says they’re expecting more than 715,000 transactions to take place at the turnpike’s three tolls booths over a six-day period beginning on Nov. 26 and lasting until Dec. 1.
“We’ll anticipate probably 150,000 or more on Wednesday and Sunday. The average day of travel on the West Virginia Turnpike is about 100,000 so that taken into consideration is about a 50% increase in traffic,” said Miller.
Miller says he expects travel numbers on the turnpike to be similar to recent years. He encourages people to plan accordingly and give themselves plenty of time to reach their destination.
“The busy times of travel are typically going to be between noon and 6 or 7 pm on Wednesday and Sunday. If you could either leave a little bit earlier or later you may be able to avoid that heavy congestion there,” said Miller.
Miller says E-ZPass offers the quickest way to negotiate Turnpike toll booths. To get an E-ZPass, or to renew an existing E-ZPass, click here.
Those with the Virginia Department of Transportation say they’re also expecting heavy travel in the coming days in the state. They want to urge drivers to wear seatbelts, be patient, avoid aggressive drivers and obey the state’s move over law.
West Virginia also has a move over law.
“If there is any kind of warning lights whether that be sirens on the top of vehicles or even the yellow flashing lights and even vehicles that are on the side of the road with their hazard lights on. You are required to move over if possible,” said Joey Barker, communications specialist for the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Bristol district.
Barker says many highway work zones will be suspended and lane closures will be lifted on interstates and other major roads from Wednesday, Nov. 27 until Monday, Dec. 2.
Motorists traveling in both states are encouraged to use Virginia and West Virginia’s 511 road conditions map which can be found online or by downloading an app for your cell phone.
You can view Virginia’s 511 map here and West Virginia’s here.
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