RTC cameras show traffic backing up by Jean, Nev., on I-15 on Nov. 27, 2022.
RTC/ScreenshotAn 18-mile stretch of I-15 on the border of California and Nevada is a parking lot as drivers attempt to get home after Thanksgiving.
The normally 25-minute drive from Jean, Nev., to Mountain Pass, Calif., is taking motorists almost 90 minutes Sunday. The interstate is the only major thoroughfare between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, and when its three lanes fill up, there’s nowhere to else divert to.
As of 10:30 a.m. Sunday, the backup begins a little past tourist attraction Seven Magic Mountains and stretches past Primm on the Nevada border. It’s been worsening by the hour, so if drivers aren’t already on the road, it may be a long day getting home. “Prepare for long delays,” RTC tweeted shortly before 10 a.m.
Traffic was also severe on Saturday. The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada warned of miles-long delays and cautioned drivers to fuel up, check their tires and bring water in preparation for stop-and-go traffic. The same stretch of highway saw similar wait times last Thanksgiving weekend.
The problem is so bad on I-15 that last year, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak pledged to fund a road-widening project. The first phase of that was finished earlier this month, which means today’s traffic could have been even worse.
In the Bay Area, it’s also a chaotic day at the airports. Before 9 a.m., NBC Bay Area reported the line for TSA at Oakland International Airport was already out the door.
The Oakland airport is bonkers!! The line for TSA is out the door and wrapped around baggage claim. And the line to check in luggage is just as long. It’s one of the busiest travel days of the year!! #thanksgivingtravel pic.twitter.com/66qxhGpZ4T
— Jodi Hernandez (@JodiHernandezTV) November 27, 2022
