\u201cWe always check on the traditional times and really (most of the traffic is) going to be on Wednesday afternoon and any time, say, after 1 p.m. into the night time hours on Wednesday,\u201d ADOT spokesman Doug Nintzel told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Tuesday. \u201cThursday morning (will be) busy as well, but Wednesday afternoon primarily as people are trying to get to their destination and again on Sunday afternoon when people are headed back home.\u201d<\/p>\n
The roadway authority pinpointed the Interstate 17 north of Phoenix as a spot where traffic will likely pile up. However, northbound drivers on this freeway from Wednesday to Saturday will have access to two extra lanes on the eight-mile stretch between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point.<\/p>\n
The new \u201cflex lanes system\u201d will then flip for southbound use on Sunday.<\/p>\n
Tips for Thanksgiving travel without freeway closures<\/p>\n
Despite there being no planned freeway closures over the holiday, Nintzel noted that drivers should expect the unexpected.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s always a chance that there will be a disabled vehicle or a crash that could either slow traffic on a highway or close the highway,\u201d Nintzel said.<\/p>\n
Ninztel also advised that motorists allow for extra travel time so that they may remain patient while behind the wheel.<\/p>\n
Besides being prepared time-wise, it is also important that Arizonans put together an emergency travel kit.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat would include things like extra bottled water \u2026 make sure you have a flashlight, a fully charged cell phone (and) you want that charger with you,\u201d Nintzel said. \u201cJust be thinking about the things that would make you comfortable in case you\u2019re in a situation where a highway is closed or you\u2019ve run into slowing traffic.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other items ADOT recommend packing in the kit were food, first-aid supplies and warm clothing.<\/p>\n
According to AAA spokesman Julian Parades, the average gas price is expected to be $3.34 per gallon for Thanksgiving travelers. He noted that this is slightly higher than last year\u2019s holiday average.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo maximize your fuel economy, you really want to stick to the speed limit, slow down, make sure your tires are properly inflated,\u201d Parades said. \u201cThat\u2019s always good advice for maximizing the gas that you do pay for.\u201d<\/p>\n
Parades added that there are apps Arizonans can download that will show them where the cheapest gas stations are.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe best time to be traveling this whole Thanksgiving week is going to in the morning,\u201d Parades said. \u201cIt can kind of save you a little bit of your travel time and save on gas as well if you beat the traffic and get out the door as early as you can.\u201d<\/p>\n
Get the latest KTAR News 92.3 FM\u00a0traffic alerts<\/a>\u00a0sent straight to your phone by texting \u201cTRAFFIC\u201d to 620620.<\/p>\n Follow @KTAR923<\/a><\/p>\n We want to hear from you.<\/p>\n Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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