MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — It’s that time of year again—as thousands of cars take to the highway for Thanksgiving travel.
On Wednesday, nearly 700,000 people were expected to drive on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, making it the busiest day of the Thanksgiving Travel Season.
Many travelers visited the Highspire Rest Stop in Lower Swatara Township, Dauphin County to take a break from their long road trips.
“We’re from St. Louis, Missouri and we’re driving to Holland, Pa.," said Ben Slover, who was in the middle of a 14-hour drive with Alex Jankowski.
“It’s about a ten-and-a-half hour drive without stopping, but probably an 11-and-a-half hour drive with all the stops we’re making," said Tami Hunt, who drove from Indiana to visit family in New Jersey.
Several travelers delayed their travel day due to rain in our area on Tuesday night.
“We planned on getting here last night, but decided to stop due to the rain and tough travel," said Christa Johnson, who is traveling from Ohio.
"It's the first time we haven't made it in one shot," added Jennifer Johnson.
Crispin Havener with the PA Turnpike Commission said 3.3 million drivers are expected on the toll road this weekend. Despite the increased traffic, he said that all lanes on the Turnpike are clear for drivers.
“Even in spite of the weather yesterday, it’s been relatively smooth sailing across the system," said Havener.
Drivers are being asked to plan ahead before their trips, follow all speed limits, and be patient while in traffic so that people reach their Thanksgiving destinations safely.
Additionally, drivers who plan to leave later in the evening to avoid hitting traffic are being asked to keep an eye out for deer along the side of the road.