KENT ISLAND, MD - AAA estimates that around 1.5 million Marylanders will travel to a Thanksgiving destination this year. They say the state is expected to see record-breaking numbers of travelers this holiday season. Even in the early afternoon, westbound drivers heading toward the Bay Bridge were already facing slow-moving traffic and backups.
It’s no surprise that more cars are on the road during the holiday season, but many drivers say this year feels particularly crowded.
"Car wise, there is a lot of people on the road, especially the trucks. Because I think they are delivering, but yeah, lots of people. Every bridge that we got off of, we got into some sort of traffic, some sort of traffic jam," said Quentin Morris, who is traveling from New York.
Others note that traffic can be unpredictable, especially along major routes.
"Well, just getting on, coming from Easton, they have signs that say Bay Bridge 21 miles and 85 minutes, and we always really say, 'Oh no, oh no,' because there’s really no knowing," said Cherie Aronsson, traveling from Easton.
While some travelers decided to hit the road on Wednesday, others are opting to leave at a later time to avoid the heavy congestion.
"No, we're not driving today. We've learned that in the past, what is usually a 3-hour drive, today would be a 6-hour drive. So that's why we plan on leaving tomorrow morning," said Robin Poust, a Kent Island resident.
AAA also told WBOC that it expects the roads to remain busy on Sunday and Monday as travelers head home. The organization recommends traveling on Thanksgiving Day itself to avoid the heaviest traffic.
MDOT Suggested Times
The Maryland Department of Transportation suggests that drivers heading out after the holiday plan their travel around the peak times. They recommend leaving before 9 a.m. or after 8 p.m. on Friday through Sunday, for a smoother ride.