Thanksgiving Travel Kicks Into Gear

A number of drivers will hit the road Tuesday to drive to or from Harford County for Thanksgiving.

Traditionally, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and Sunday after are among the heaviest traveled of the holiday weekend. Over the years, more and more people have tried to get a jump on any delays by starting their trip a day in advance.

“We’ve noticed a trend of Tuesday, but with the weather it’s hard to tell,”  said Teri Moss, spokeswoman for Maryland Transportation Authority. “People may be holding off until (Wednesday) maybe because of the weather.”

The rain on Tuesday kept heavy traffic at bay throughout Maryland and along I-95 as of 2:30 p.m., according to Moss.

An early morning tractor-trailer fire caused lane closures on I-95 Tuesday morning, but those lanes were reopened by mid-morning. Maryland State Police confirmed Tuesday afternoon traffic was congested in the area of the Aberdeen exit, but not at a standstill.

“We can certainly count on this being very, very heavy,” Moss said of holiday traffic. “There will be delays just because of the nature of toll plazas,” Moss said.

Those traveling along the I-95 corridor are urged to drive at off-peak hours which are before 6 a.m. and after 11 p.m., on Tuesday and Wednesday, and before 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m, Thursday through Sunday .

Motorists can also call 511 or visit MD511.org for statewide travel information. Users can enter their location and learn travel times before leaving home.