Va officials suggest early Thanksgiving travel

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ The Virginia Department of Transportation has some advice for motorists traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday — leave early.

The department said Tuesday that motorists should hit the road before noon on Nov. 26 to beat most of the traffic. Congestion levels vary by region and direction of travel.

Since 2003, the department has collected speed and traffic volume data for major interstates using pavement sensors. The heaviest interstate traffic will likely occur between noon and 8 p.m. the day before Thanksgiving.

For motorists returning home, the heaviest traffic volumes are anticipated for the afternoon of Nov. 30.