10 Worst Highways for Thanksgiving Travel
Thanksgiving marks one of the busiest travel times in the U.S., with millions hitting the roads to celebrate. 81% more people travel on Thanksgiving than on Christmas or Hanukkah.
To help holiday travelers avoid the worst traffic hotspots, a recent study analyzed factors such as average daily traffic, crash rates, and social media sentiment on highway experiences. Here are the top 10 most congested highways to watch out for, along with a snapshot of the areas they connect.
I-5: Los Angeles–Long Beach–Santa Ana, CA
The I-5 (The 5, if you live in SoCal) in Southern California is notorious for gridlock, especially during Thanksgiving. Connecting Los Angeles with bustling beach cities like Long Beach, this stretch of highway is lined with iconic sights, heavy commuter traffic, and holiday travelers.
I-5: San Diego, CA
Further south, the I-5 in San Diego has its own traffic challenges. This highway runs through the heart of San Diego, where attractions like Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and famous beaches draw visitors year-round, creating bottlenecks during peak holiday times.
I-75: Atlanta, GA
Known for intense congestion, Atlanta’s I-75 is a major artery running north-south through the city. With Atlanta being a major urban hub in the South, holiday travelers may encounter delays from local traffic and visitors heading to popular attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park.
I-15: Salt Lake City, UT
I-15 cuts through the scenic Salt Lake Valley, attracting both local and holiday traffic. Known for its stunning mountain views, Salt Lake City sees increased travel during Thanksgiving as people head toward resorts, national parks, and family gatherings across the Wasatch Front.
US-101: Los Angeles–Long Beach–Santa Ana, CA
Running parallel to the coast, US-101 offers views of the Pacific but is also infamous for traffic jams, especially near urban centers. Travelers on this route experience the full spectrum of California landscapes, from beach towns to cityscapes.
I-15: Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas’s I-15 is a common route for holiday visitors flocking to the Strip. Traffic spikes as people visit Sin City’s iconic casinos and entertainment venues, so expect heavy congestion near this major tourist destination.
I-10: Houston, TX
This east-west interstate cuts across Houston, one of Texas’s largest cities. Serving as a link for those heading to the Gulf Coast or the heart of Texas, I-10 sees a mix of holiday and local commuter traffic, leading to significant delays.
I-10: Los Angeles–Long Beach–Santa Ana, CA
Another entry from Southern California, the I-10 connects the Los Angeles area with coastal cities and inland destinations. Expect dense traffic here, especially as travelers head toward popular spots like Santa Monica and Riverside.
I-5: Mission Viejo, CA
The I-5 through Mission Viejo in Orange County draws commuters and holiday travelers alike, especially those visiting Disneyland or heading to nearby beaches. This stretch of highway often slows down to a crawl during peak times.
I-95: Miami, FL
I-95, running through Miami, serves as a major north-south route for South Florida. Known for its tropical beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Cuban influence, Miami sees an influx of visitors, making I-95 a challenge for holiday travel.
I’m from California and live near Seattle. I’m used to bad traffic, but Miami traffic is a different beast, I absolutely despise driving there.
Methodology
Researchers analyzed data from sources like the Federal Highway Administration and the National Highway Safety Administration to determine these Thanksgiving traffic hotspots. Factors such as average daily traffic, crash rates, and social media feedback were combined to identify highways with the worst Thanksgiving travel experiences.
Are you driving this Thanksgiving?
I was pretty surprised not to see 1-5 N in Washington from Tacoma to Seattle on the list because that traffic is a nightmare on the best of days, let alone Thanksgiving. I stay home on Thanksgiving, so I don’t need to worry about it. What about you?
Source: Casino.ca
