CHARLESTON, W. Va. — Experts are predicting more Americans will hit the road in order to be with family this Thanksgiving, some of which will travel the West Virginia Turnpike.
“I know AAA has said there’s going to be about a 4.2 percent increase forecasted in increased traffic this year over last year’s Thanksgiving period,” Greg Barr, Parkway Authority General Manager said. “We’re as prepared as we can be and we just want everybody to have safe travels during this Holiday period.”
To help facilitate those safe travels, which typically occur from Wednesday to Sunday, workers on the Turnpike have been prepped for travelers’ convenience.
Measures taken include utilizing the LED VMS signs to warn drives of traditionally congested travel times, as well as making sure positions along the roadway are fully staffed.
“We also have our toll plazas fully manned, including backup collectors that can walk from booth to booth as our collectors have to take breaks,” Barr said. “We don’t to stop, close a booth down even for a minute during this busy period.”
With Winter Storm Cato looming in the forecast this week, Barr said they are prepared for inclement weather as well.
“We’ve got our snow and ice crews gearing up. They’ll be setting up [Tuesday] night, being ready to start treating the roads in the wee hours of the morning as that first snow starts to arrive.”
Barr offered some tips for a smooth trip, especially at the toll booths, such as having the tolls ready before approaching, being mindful of the optimal lanes when approaching and taking into account that Sunday is the travel day that leads to the most congestion.
“It’s all compressed into a shorter period of time because everybody’s coming home and they’re all usually leaving in the morning and they kind of meet on the Turnpike between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., whichever way they’re going.”
Barr suggested adjusting travel plans for returning home later on Sunday, if at all possible.