WI Thanksgiving Travel 2022: The Best Time To Hit The Road And The Construction To Know

WISCONSIN — As Wisconsinites hit the road to visit family near and far this week for Thanksgiving, they should take notice of the expected traffic surges and ongoing construction in the Badger State.

Key travel corridors in the state could see heavy traffic during the week, with the busiest travel periods on Wednesday and then again on Sunday from 12-8 p.m., according to a news release from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

So, if you’re among the estimated 54.6 million Thanksgiving travelers this year, timing your travel in Wisconsin and beyond could make the trip less stressful.

The auto club AAA said in its Thanksgiving travel prediction released last week that nearly 49 million Americans will travel by car during the long weekend, which for travel purposes is Wednesday-Sunday, Nov. 23-27. Thanksgiving Day is on Nov. 24. AAA’s data partner INRIX expects severe congestion in U.S. metro areas, including Chicago if you're headed south this season.

Wisconsin officials pointed toward ongoing construction in some areas of the state to be aware of and take special care:

• Columbia County: Construction is underway at the I-39/90/94 and WIS 60 interchange near Arlington and Lodi. I-39/90/94 remains open to three lanes in each direction.
• Juneau County: I-90/94 is open to two lanes in each direction on temporary roadway and bridge structures at the WIS 82 interchange in Mauston.
• Milwaukee and Ozaukee counties: Work is ongoing on I-43 between Capitol Drive and WIS 60. Motorists can expect lane closures and speed limit reductions in certain segments. The ramps at Hampton Avenue and County Line Road remain closed.
• Milwaukee County: Motorists will encounter a traffic shift on I-41/US 45 (Zoo Interchange North Leg Project) between Watertown Plank Road and North Avenue. Exit ramps at North Avenue and Mayfair Road remain closed. Holiday shopping traffic is encouraged to access Mayfair Road from either Burleigh Street or Watertown Plank Road.
• Portage County: US 10/WIS 66 is reduced to a single lane in each direction at I-39. The I-39 northbound exit ramp to US 10 east is closed and detoured via I-39 and WIS 66/Stanley Street. The I-39 southbound to westbound WIS 66 turn lane is closed and detoured via I-39 and County HH. The westbound US 10 to I-39 southbound left turn lane is closed and detoured via I-39 and WIS 66/Stanley Street. The eastbound US 10/WIS 66 to I-39 northbound left turn lane is closed and detoured via I-39 and County HH.

“Whether you are traveling near or far this holiday weekend, please buckle up, drive sober, watch out for deer and follow posted speed limits,” WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said. “Those responsible decisions can prevent crashes and help ensure a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving for everyone.”

To avoid the most hectic times, travel early in the morning on Wednesday or before 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Avoid traveling between 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

According to AAA, in general, the best and worst times to be on the road are:

Wednesday, Nov. 23 — worst times,1 a.m.-8 p.m.; best times, before 8 a.m., after 8 p.m.

Thursday, Nov 24 — worst times, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; best times, before 11 a.m., after 6 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 25 — worst times, 4-8 pm.; best times, before 11 a.m., after 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 26 — worst times, 4-8 pm.; best times, before 2 p.m., after 8 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 27 — worst times, 4-8 p.m.; best times, before 11 a.m., after 8 p.m.

This year is expected to be the third-busiest for Thanksgiving travel, approaching 98 percent of pre-pandemic levels, since AAA began tracking it in 2000.

Although most will travel by car, about 4.5 million Americans plan to fly to their Thanksgiving destinations, an increase of 8 percent — 333,000 more travelers — from last year. Thanksgiving air travel is expected to be within 99 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

It’s a good idea to leave for the airport early. Long lines are likely at TSA checkpoints and, “if possible, avoid checking a bag to allow for more flexibility if flights are delayed, or you need to reschedule,” AAA said.

The number of people who are traveling by bus or train or taking a cruise is up by 23 percent from last year, reaching 96 percent of the 2019 volume.