Thanksgiving travel to reach record levels in DMV; best and worst times to drive

Thanksgiving travel to reach record levels in DMV;

More than 1.6 million Washington-area residents are expected to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, according to AAA.

WASHINGTON - More than 1.6 million Washington-area residents are expected to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, according to AAA.

By the numbers:

The auto club says this marks the highest number of Thanksgiving holiday travelers ever recorded in the D.C. region. Most will be driving to their destinations, meaning congestion and traffic jams across the DMV are almost certain.

AAA projects more than 92,000 Washingtonians will fly this year, a slight increase from last Thanksgiving. Another 20,000 are expected to travel by bus, train or cruise.

Nationwide, nearly 82 million people are expected to journey 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving, AAA said.

DC weather: Showers return Tuesday ahead of cold, blustery Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving holiday travel forecast

The FOX 5 Traffic Team has the Thanksgiving holiday travel forecast.

Best and Worst Times to Drive in the DC region

Tuesday, Nov 25

Worst Travel Time: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Best Travel Time: Before 12:00 PM

Wednesday, Nov 26

Worst Travel Time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Best Travel Time: Before 11:00 AM

Thursday, Nov 27

Minimal Traffic Impact Expected

Friday, Nov 28

Worst Travel Time: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Best Travel Time: Before 11:00 AM

Saturday, Nov 29

Worst Travel Time: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Best Travel Time: Before 10:00 AM

Sunday, Nov 30

Worst Travel Time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Best Travel Time: Before 11:00 AM

Monday, Dec 1

Worst Travel Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Best Travel Time: After 8:00 PM

Peak Congestion by Metro

Metro: Washington, DC to Baltimore

Route: via Balt/Wash Pkwy N

Peak Congestion Period: Tuesday, 4:30 PM

Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Increase Compared to Typical: 166%

Source: INRIX

495 Express Lanes open in time for holiday travel

Just days before Thanksgiving travel ramps up, drivers have a new option to avoid Beltway backups. The I-495 Express Lanes extension between the American Legion Bridge and the Dulles Toll Road opened after more than three years of construction.