ODOT to post season-themed digital messages for drivers over Thanksgiving

If you plan to travel over the river and through the woods to grandma’s house for Thanksgiving dinner, you may see some holiday-themed messages on those digital signs along Ohio interstates.

The Ohio Department of Transportation usually uses the signs to pass on important information to drivers such as slow traffic, construction, and road restrictions.

This coming holiday week drivers can expect to see several messages in the spirit of the season.

Among the messages are the following:

• FLAG ON THE PLAY: SITTING IN THE LEFT LANE
• OHIO AGAINST THE WORLD AND DRUNK DRIVING
• FEELING STUFFED? YOUR SEAT BELT ALWAYS FITS
• DON'T GET MURKY BEFORE THE TURKEY DRIVE SOBER

There are two such signs here in the Valley.  One is along Interstate 76 eastbound near State Route 45.  The second digital sign is along westbound I-80 near Loganway Avenue.

 AAA projects that most Thanksgiving travelers will drive to their destinations, with an estimated 49.1 million Americans getting behind the wheel, an increase of 1.7% compared to 2022.

Drivers could be paying less for gas than last Thanksgiving when the national average was $3.58. This year, the national average peaked in mid-August at $3.87 and has been coming down since, despite global tensions causing ripples through the oil market.

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Wednesday, November 22, to be the busiest day on the roads during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, with average travel times as high as 80% over normal in some metro areas. INRIX recommends leaving in the morning or after 6 p.m. to avoid the heaviest holiday congestion.

“The day before Thanksgiving is notoriously one of the most congested days on our roadways. Travelers should be prepared for long delays, especially in and around major metros,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Knowing when and where congestion will build can help minimize holiday traffic frustrations. We advise drivers to use traffic apps, local DOT notifications, and 511 services for real-time updates.”