SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) — While Tuesday was predicted to be the busiest traffic on the roads, local drivers tell Western Mass News conditions weren’t too bad after all.
Matilda Garrido, who was traveling from New York City to Salem, tells us, “We haven’t seen anything, I was shocked. Shocked!”
This year, nearly 82 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the Thanksgiving holiday period.
AAA Northeast’s travel forecast predicts an additional 1.6 million people will be traveling this year compared to last Thanksgiving, setting a new overall record.
While the day before Thanksgiving was once considered the busiest travel day, that’s not the case for 2025.
Tuesday between noon and 9 p.m. was the worst projected travel day before the holiday, however travelers at the Ludlow rest stop tell us their experience on the roads was fast and easy.
“Especially coming from the city heading towards Boston, we definitely thought there would be a lot of traffic but nothing like nothing,” Garrido continues.
AAA also reminds folks who are driving this Thanksgiving to be on the lookout for aggressive drivers, speeders, and anyone who may be impaired behind the wheel.
They urge everyone to drive defensively and to take breaks when driving long distances.
Kiley O’Brien, who is traveling to Boston says, “Just stay safe. Obviously it’s not good to speed or anything like that keep everyone safe before the holidays.”
As a reminder, the Thanksgiving holiday travel period ends December 1st so if you are hitting the roads, be sure to give yourself some extra time to get to your destination.
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