Thanksgiving traffic reaches fever pitch across Chicago

Chicago roadways felt the impact of Thanksgiving traffic on Wednesday.

AAA projected over 70 million people will travel by car for Thanksgiving, nearly one million more travelers than last year's holiday.

"For anybody who's thinking about hitting the road on Thanksgiving Day, we typically see traffic start to pick up around 11 a.m. and then drop off around 1 p.m.," said Christina Bastillo from the Waze driving app.

On Friday, those traveling by car are encouraged to leave after 1 p.m. to avoid backups, but before 1 p.m. if you’re driving on Saturday.

Experts with AAA are forecasting traffic to reach its peak between noon and 6 p.m. on Sunday, and between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Monday.

The Chicago Department of Aviation projected over 1.8 million travelers will pass through O'Hare and Midway airports between Tuesday and Monday, Dec. 2.

O'Hare International Airport promises to be particularly busy with an anticipated increase of 11% in passenger traffic compared to last Thanksgiving, officials said. Sunday is expected to be the busiest travel day at the airport with the weight of more than 254,000 passengers.

Aviation officials project travel levels at Midway Airport to remain consistent with last year's holiday.

For those traveling using Amtrak, the service is reporting increased passengers compared to last year. On Tuesday, 10,000 people passed through Chicago's Union Station alone. On Wednesday, about 11,000 people were expected to do the same.

Those numbers are only expected to increase for Sunday, which is expected to be the busiest travel day of the season.

Many train lines are already sold out.

"We go to more than 500 places, but here in Chicago, this year new for us, is service now twice a day between Chicago and St. Paul," said Mark Magliari, Amtrak spokesperson. "I rode that train this morning and of course it was sold out."

Magliari said another new service includes a trip between Chicago and Florida.

"That's one of the reasons why we think we're going to be even stronger this Thanksgiving than last," he said.

For those headed to Union Station this year, keep in mind there is construction outside so there is no parking available on Canal Street. Patrons are encouraged to use other entrances on Clinton and Jackson.