'Volatile' Traffic Volume Makes For Uncertain Easter Travel

CHICAGO, IL— As another holiday under COVID-19 restrictions approaches, one thing will remain the same for families planning on traveling through the state for Easter weekend: traffic uncertainty.

According to a spokesperson from the Illinois Tollway, the agency did not feel comfortable releasing its annual Easter weekend traffic projections.

"Given the volatility of traffic volumes we’ve seen since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, we’re not comfortable at this time predicting how many vehicles will be on our roads over the holiday weekend," senior communications manager Dan Rozek wrote in an email.

Illinois Tollway also did not release traffic projections last Easter due to similar uncertainty.

Easter weekend is normally one of the worst travel days in the United States, but the coronavirus pandemic has changed how and when Americans feel the need to travel. The sharp decrease in time spent on the road has actually saved drivers money.

However, as the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more available and enables vaccinated people to visit family for the first time in a year, AAA experts still advise taking precaution during transit.

"It’s more important than ever to do your due diligence ahead of any trip to ensure it is safe and enjoyable,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel. “As vaccines help boost consumer confidence to begin traveling again, we have to remember that wearing masks and social distancing are still a requirement.”

Even though drivers may not know what to expect when they head towards their Easter destinations, both the Illinois Tollway at AAA recommend paying attention to travel restrictions that state and local governments may still have in place and respecting stay-at-home orders and quarantine requirements upon arrival.