Thanksgiving Travel Tips

Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest for travelers, and our crews work tirelessly to make your trip as safe as possible no matter the weather. Don’t let wet, snowy weather gobble up your plans. Our crews are working through the feasting to keep your travels safe, and we would be thankful for your help.  

As we head into winter, here are some reminders that will help everyone get where they need to go safely.  

If there’s heavy snow or a crash, we may need to temporarily close a section of highway. Please be courteous and patient with our crews, whether they are plowing or flagging traffic.  

Tips for safe winter travel during the holiday season: 

  • The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel times of the year, regardless of conditions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more crashes occur this holiday weekend nationwide than any other. Expect delays, plan ahead, and allow extra travel time. 
  • Be careful when traveling over mountain passes. Check TripCheck.com for road conditions. Many camera displays include temperature and other helpful information. 
  • Pay attention to roadside message signs. They contain critical information about conditions on the road ahead, like chain requirements.  
  • Make sure you’re ready for wintry road conditions. Carry chains and know how to use them. Be prepared for major delays, pack supplies for you and your passengers such as food, water, blankets, warm clothes and medications. A portable cell phone charger is also a great addition to your supply kit. 
  • Drive for conditions. In rain, snow, or heavy traffic – slow down and give space for more stopping time. 
  • Avoid distractions and focus on the drive.  
  • An important reminder about GPS use during storms: Most navigation tools don't take current road or weather conditions into consideration. They may direct you onto remote roads that are neither maintained nor passible in all weather conditions. If you are not familiar with an area and current road conditions, stay on state roads and don't attempt detours onto roads you don't know. 
  • Give snowplows extra space and never pass on the right. Be patient. The safest place to be when it's snowing is behind a plow. Remember if you pass a snowplow, you are no longer going to be driving on a freshly plowed road. 
  • Make sure there’s a sober, focused and alert driver behind the wheel to help you get to and from your destinations. We all know turkey makes us sleepy. 
  • Be on the lookout for pedestrians and cyclists who are often less visible in wintery weather.  
  • If you are walking or cycling on or near a road, be visible. Wear warm, reflective clothing and consider wearing a flashing light for additional visibility. Depending on conditions, cyclists may want to use a wider or studded tires for additional traction. 
  • For more information, visit our winter driving tips website. 

Planes, Trains & Automobiles 

In honor of the greatest Thanksgiving movie ever released, here are some additional reminders: 

Planes – This is the last holiday travel season before the federal REAL ID law goes into effect May 7, 2025. Visit Oregon.gov/REALID to learn more about what’s required so you’ll be REAL ID Ready next spring! 

Trains – Let Amtrak do the heavy lifting this holiday season. Amtrak Cascades trains are filling up fast and some are already sold out. We recommend booking your tickets online now at Amtrak Cascades. 

Automobiles – Before you go, make sure your vehicle is ready for the road conditions ahead. Check your lights, windshield wipers and tires before you go and make sure you have a full tank or a full charge. If you are heading for the mountains, be sure to have chains and additional emergency supplies. 

Most of our construction work will be paused over the holiday weekend to allow for extra traffic. Travelers in Eugene on Saturday Nov. 30 should expect traffic delays from the University of Washington at Oregon football game. Kickoff is 4:30 p.m.  

Additional Thanksgiving Week Congestion Hot Spots: 

  • I-5 southbound Woodburn Interchange on Black Friday 
    • Friday: 11am-7p.m. 
  • I-5 northbound in Wilsonville section 
    • Wednesday: Noon-6 p.m. 
    • Saturday: Noon-6 p.m. 
    • Sunday: Noon-7 p.m. 
  • I-5 southbound Interstate Bridge approach 
    • Saturday: Noon-5 p.m. 
    • Sunday: Noon-5 p.m. 

No matter how or where you travel in Oregon, be prepared for changing conditions. Remember to look out for each other, our crews, and emergency responders on the road. Everyone deserves a safe holiday weekend. 

Additional Winter Travel Resources: 

Source: ODOT

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