Roads expected to be stuffed for Thanksgiving

Taking a road trip for Thanksgiving? Be ready for packed highways in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

About 31.2 million Americans are expected to drive to Thanksgiving destinations this year, despite record-high gas prices, according to AAA. That number is up from last year's 30.8 million drivers.

Eastern Washington residents will drive mostly to Seattle or Portland, according to an AAA Washington survey, and Western Washington residents will go all over Washington, Oregon and California.

"The interesting trend this holiday season is gas prices," said Janet Ray, AAA spokeswoman. "This is the first time that we have seen gas prices top $3 a gallon in November. A year ago the national average was in the range of $2.20 a gallon, so this year travelers are really feeling the pinch."

In Washington, gas averaged $3.26 a gallon Wednesday, up 76 cents over the past year for a gallon of regular unleaded.

For Northwest drivers, mountain-pass weather, road congestion and U.S.-Canada border delays for those heading to British Columbia are the main concerns. Here's how to get information and stay ahead of the crowd:

Roads

Expect the biggest crowds Wednesday and Sunday, Nov. 25. Afternoons and early evening usually are the worst.

Be prepared for winter driving, especially if you're crossing the Cascades. Carry chains, extra clothing and food/drinks, and make sure your gas tank is full.

• Check Washington road conditions by calling 511, the Department of Transportation's statewide travel-information line, or go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic

• Oregon road conditions: Phone 511 in Oregon, 503-588-2941 outside Oregon, or go to www.tripcheck.com

• B.C. roads: 800-550-4997 (from anywhere in North America) or www.drivebc.ca. For U.S.-Canada border delays (in both directions) see www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/border/ New designated lanes for northbound trucks will open Monday at the Pacific Highway border crossing east of the Peace Arch in Blaine. That will lessen delays there for passenger vehicles headed into Canada.

Amtrak

Thanksgiving is the railway's busiest time; Amtrak expects to carry 125,000 passengers nationally on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, up 80 percent over a normal Wednesday.

If you don't have a ticket, buy now, especially for the popular Seattle-Portland route. Amtrak Cascades is adding 10 trains on that route over the Thanksgiving period.

Amtrak requires photo ID for adults (and travelers should have proof of citizenship if going to Vancouver, B.C.).

Details: 800-USA-RAIL or www.amtrak.com

State Ferries

Extra runs will be added on several routes over Thanksgiving. On Wednesday, afternoon or evening sailings will be added to Lopez and Orcas islands in the San Juans and to Whidbey Island. A larger ferry (the 124-car Issaquah) will be used on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route, and there will be extra midday service next Friday for holiday shoppers. Details: 888-808-7977 or www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/

Buses

Greyhound gradually is upgrading its stations and service and introduced priority seating this week; travelers can pay $5 more to reserve a specific seat and board first. That's especially useful around Thanksgiving when buses are full. www.greyhound.com or 800-231-2222.

Kristin Jackson: kjackson@seattletimes.com or 206-464-2271