Thanksgiving Travel 2020: Worst Times To Hit Maryland Roads

MARYLAND — If you plan to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s likely you’ll see fewer vehicles on Maryland roads due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, there are times you may want to avoid if you’re hoping for a smooth trip without delays, according to the American Automobile Association.

The Maryland Department of Health previously issued a public health advisory recommending residents avoid non-essential travel outside the state, and the MDTA urges everyone to make safety the top priority for themselves, their family and others. If you must travel, do your part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by remembering to wash your hands, wear a mask in public and avoid large crowds, the agency said.

AAA recently released its annual Thanksgiving travel forecast, which looks a lot different from those in previous years. The agency predicts at least a 10 percent drop in travel this year — the largest one-year decrease since the 2008 Great Recession.

The new AAA Mid-Atlantic travel survey found:

• 89 percent of Maryland residents surveyed will stay home for the Thanksgiving holiday
  • 50 percent say they are not traveling because of COVID-19
  • 50 percent say they were not planning to travel anyway
• 90 percent of Maryland residents surveyed said they perceive traveling at this time poses a risk
  • 43 percent called that risk significant

“Given the recent surge in COVID-19 and the strong urging of public health officials and the governor for everyone to stay home for the holiday, the Thanksgiving travel landscape continues to change,” said Ragina C. Ali with AAA Mid-Atlantic. “With that in mind, AAA conducted a new poll asking Maryland residents who have decided against traveling for the holiday whether COVID-19, specifically, was the reason and half said yes.”

Amid the predictions, public health and government officials continue to stress staying home this Thanksgiving to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus.

A week before the holiday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued updated guidance recommending no travel this Thanksgiving. The new guidelines, according to the CDC's website, say that "postponing planned travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others this year.” It also offers a list of questions Americans should ask themselves before making a trip.

However, Americans are still traveling, and those doing so in major urban areas are likely to see increased delays at typical bottlenecks — up to 30 percent above normal pandemic congestion levels.

The Maryland Transportation Authority said all-electronic tolling is in effect statewide on all toll roads and bridges, with tolls paid via E-ZPass or by Video Tolling. E-ZPass Maryland Customer Service Centers will be closed Nov. 26, but customers can go to ezpassmd.com or use the automated system at 1-888-321-6824 for 24/7 account maintenance.

Peak Bay Bridge Travel Times

The MDTA recommends these travel times on the Bay Bridge to avoid the most congested periods:

Eastbound:

• Wednesday, November 25, through Friday, November 27: Before 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m.; and
• Monday, November 30: Before noon and after 8 p.m.

Westbound:

• Wednesday, November 25: Before 5 a.m. and after 6 p.m.;
• Thursday, November 26, through Sunday, November 29: Before 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m.; and
• Monday, November 30: Before 5 a.m. and after 2 p.m.

For I-95, the best times to travel include these off-peak hours:

• Wednesday, November 25: Before 6 a.m. and after 11 p.m.;
• Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27: Before 7 a.m. and after 9 p.m.; and
• Saturday, November 28, and Sunday, November 29: Before 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m.

The I-95 travel plazas, Chesapeake House in Cecil County at mile marker 97 and Maryland House in Harford County at mile marker 82, are open 24/7 with indoor and outdoor seating available. Face coverings are required while inside the buildings.

For those traveling I-895, due to ongoing construction, two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) is in place on the southbound bridge north of the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. The Holabird Avenue exit ramp is temporarily closed. Drivers should use I-95 or I-695 as an alternate route.

Worst Time On National Roads

In this year’s Thanksgiving travel forecast, AAA predicts those traveling on Wednesday afternoon are most likely to experience traffic delays and congestion.

If you plan to travel from the DC suburbs of Maryland and want to avoid the rush, be aware that the peak travel time is expected to be just before noon on Nov. 27 on the I95 South corridor.

Based on a model from mid-October, AAA initially expected up to 50 million Americans to travel this Thanksgiving, a decrease from 55 million in 2019.

However, as coronavirus cases continue to spike and state leaders impose new restrictions, AAA now expects the actual number of holiday travelers to be even lower.

“The decision to travel is a personal one,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president for AAA Travel, said in a release. “For those who are considering making a trip, the majority will go by car, which provides the flexibility to modify holiday travel plans up until the day of departure.”

Those who do decide to travel are expected to drive shorter distances this year and reduce the number of days they spend away from home, AAA predicts. Travel by car is expected to account for 95 percent of all travel this Thanksgiving, while travel by air is expected to drop by nearly 48 percent.

Those traveling by car will also enjoy cheap gas prices. On average, gas prices nationwide are nearly 50 cents cheaper than last year, with October averages at a 15-year-low. The gas price average in Maryland is $2.23, down 2 cents from last week, 6 cents in the last month, and 24 cents from this date last year.

Best And Worst Travel Times

Google Maps Search Trends, these are the best and worst times to travel on the roads in Maryland for the Thanksgiving holiday:

Before Thanksgiving

• Best Time: Wednesday 3 a.m.
• Worst Time: Wednesday 3 p.m.

After Thanksgiving

• Best Time: Friday 4 a.m.
• Worst Time: Friday 4 p.m.

Still, AAA suggests travelers keep in mind they’re traveling during a pandemic and should heed a few tips before they hit the road:

• Plan ahead. Check with state and local authorities where you are, along your route, and at your planned destination to learn about local circumstances and any restrictions that may be in place.

• Minimize stops along the way. Pack meals, extra snacks and drinks in addition to an emergency roadside kit.

• Follow public health guidance. Use face masks and remember to socially distance. Wash your hands regularly and be sure to pack disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and a thermometer to help protect and monitor your health.

• Check with your hotel. Prior to any hotel stay, call ahead to ensure your hotel is open and ask what precautions it is taking and what requirements are in place to protect guests.

For other helpful travel guidance from AAA, visit the organization’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map for the latest state and local travel restrictions. You can also use TripTik.AAA.com to plan your road trip and help determine which rest stops, gas stations, restaurants and hotels are open along your route.