The Texas Department of Transportation announced that multiple lanes on southbound Interstate 45 would be closed this weekend and early next week, adding that travelers can expect significant delays.
TxDOT announced on November 16 that southbound I-45 will be narrowed to one lane between I-30, to near U.S. 175. These lane closures will go into effect on November 17 and remain in effect until November 20.
The lanes will be closed due to an “ongoing bridge maintenance project,” per TxDOT.
Travelers are advised to take an alternate route.
The holiday season is right around the corner, with Thanksgiving on November 23. About 84% of Americans will be traveling for the holidays this year, with many planning to attend multiple celebrations, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) reported that it expects 55.4 million American travelers will head at least 50 miles from home this Thanksgiving holiday, increasing 2.3% compared to last year. Of these travelers, 49.13 million are expected to drive.
“For many Americans, Thanksgiving and travel go hand in hand, and this holiday, we expect more people on the roads, skies, and seas compared to 2022,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, according to the AAA.
“Travel demand has been strong all year, and AAA’s Thanksgiving forecast reflects that continued desire to get away and spend time with loved ones,” said Twidale.
The AAA warns that November 22 is expected to be the busiest travel day over the Thanksgiving break, with the worst times to be on the road between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The best time to travel on this day is projected to be before 11 a.m.
For those who will need to rent a vehicle, the average reservation price is now $590, which is a 20% decrease from 2022.
The City of Dallas is also recorded as one of the top destinations for those traveling for their Thanksgiving break. As such, TxDOT would like to kindly advise travelers to exercise caution and avoid driving under the influence.
