Las Vegas Prepares for Thanksgiving Travel Surge

Las Vegas prepares for heavy traffic as travelers head out for Thanksgiving.

News Summary

Las Vegas is gearing up for a significant Thanksgiving travel surge with high temperatures expected this week. Travelers should be aware of construction delays, especially around major highways, but rising gas prices may encourage road trips. Additionally, authorities are conducting a search for a missing person at Lake Mead while the national trend shows nearly 80 million people traveling for the holiday, indicating a reconnecting with family and friends. Safety reminders for travelers include preparing an emergency kit and keeping safe driving practices in mind.

Las Vegas Readies for Thanksgiving Travel Surge

The sunny skies of Las Vegas are preparing for a major Thanksgiving travel surge this week! High pressure is expected to dominate the weather, bringing high temperatures well above average. In fact, folks could see some new record highs on Thursday and Friday as everyone sets out to celebrate Turkey Day.

Construction Delays Ahead

While the warm weather might be inviting, travelers should be aware of some bumps in the road—literally! Ongoing construction projects are causing delays, especially around the 215 freeway heading toward the Summerlin Parkway. It’s wise to keep this in mind when planning your journey, as patience will certainly be required.

A Search and a National Trend

As families prepare to travel, authorities are also busy with a search operation for a missing person at Lake Mead. This operation involves multiple agencies working together using aerial, marine, and ground resources, proving once again how community response works in tandem even amid holiday cheer.

Meanwhile, on a national scale, nearly 80 million people are set to travel for Thanksgiving this year. That’s an increase of 1.7 million compared to last year and a whopping 2 million more than before the pandemic struck in 2019. Many folks are planning to hit the road, with approximately 71.7 million people expected to travel by car—an uptick of 1.3 million from last year. It seems that everyone is keen to reconnect with family and friends this holiday season!

Gas Prices on the Downside

One contributing factor to this surge in road trips is the drop in gas prices. In Nevada, regular gasoline now averages around $3.70 per gallon statewide and about $3.67 in Las Vegas. This lowered cost will likely encourage more drivers to take to the roads, which is great news for those tired of sky-high prices!

Expect Heavy Traffic

Las Vegas, known for its bustling atmosphere, will likely experience heavy traffic, especially on Interstate 15 during peak travel days like Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. To help reduce congestion, the Nevada Department of Transportation is pausing multiple construction projects from Wednesday through Sunday. This decision is sure to facilitate smoother and more efficient travel for everyone.

Safe Travels Promote Peace of Mind

As the holiday weekend approaches, it’s also important to keep safety in mind. The American Red Cross is reminding all drivers to adopt safe driving practices. It’s a good idea to have an emergency kit handy in your vehicle. Essentials such as snacks, water, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and jumper cables are important, along with a battery-operated radio, blankets, and a cellphone charger. Don’t forget that a map can also come in handy if your phone’s battery runs low!

Year-Round Fun and Future Growth

Looking beyond Thanksgiving, Las Vegas will continue to experience changes in traffic patterns due to significant construction projects, including the I-15/Tropicana interchange. This will undoubtedly impact driving routes in the coming months, so stay tuned for updates on that front. Meanwhile, it’s good news for cyclists, as the RTC’s bike share program anticipates growth linked to ongoing transit improvements, allowing for alternative and eco-friendly transportation options throughout the city.

On a Lighter Note

In other local news, the Golden Knights recently celebrated a thrilling victory against the Chicago Blackhawks, winning 7-5 in an action-packed match! So while traffic may be heavy and folks are gearing up for Thanksgiving travels, it’s clear that Las Vegas is buzzing with excitement this week!

Safe travels to everyone as you head out for a fantastic Thanksgiving filled with family, friends, and of course, way too much turkey!