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Millions on the Move for Thanksgiving: A Travel Odyssey

2024-11-27

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the skies and roads are filled with travelers. From Bush Airport to destinations across the nation, people are making their way to see loved ones. FOX 26's Jonathan Mejia caught up with some of these travelers to get a sense of their holiday journeys.

Navigating Thanksgiving Travel: Tips and Tales

Preparing for the Crowds at Bush Airport

As the Thanksgiving holiday nears, Bush Intercontinental Airport is gearing up for what is expected to be its busiest travel day yet. Last-minute travelers are now making their final preparations as they brace for the potential chaos of crowded terminals. According to the Transportation Security Administration, almost three million individuals will be screened on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. This surge in travelers has led to increased traffic and congestion issues, making it essential for passengers to be prepared.

Ashley Ford, who is flying to Detroit, shared her experience. "It has been busier than we expected," she said. "We made some friends on the bus coming in. So it's starting the holiday season the right way." Udit Chakravti, on his way to New Orleans, also anticipated the crowds. "We just thought of checking in early. Be safe rather than be sorry later," he said.

Dealing with Airport Construction and Holiday Rush

Current airport construction at Bush has only exacerbated the existing traffic and congestion problems. Combine this with the holiday rush, and passengers are likely to face delays. Briannah Williams, heading to Chicago, took a Lyft and didn't notice the traffic too much. "Honestly, it wasn't too bad today. There's always traffic here, but it's not too bad right now," she remarked. Misty Richards, traveling to Oregon for the first time during the holiday, found the airport accessible and the people pleasant. "I've never done it before, but I'm surprised by how busy it is. I Ubered in, and everyone has been nice," she said.

Tips for a Smoother Travel Experience

Travelers intending to fly out later today or on Sunday, when many return home, are sharing their tips for a smoother experience. Aaron Ragoonanansingh, flying to Miami, advises getting to the airport well in advance. "Things can get hectic during Thanksgiving time," he said. Ronnie Ford, traveling to Detroit with his wife [Ashley] and daughter, recommends preparedness. "Having TSA PreCheck, Clear, making sure we have all that stuff prepared and making sure she's comfortable. While it's stressful, we try to pack and make sure it's not as stressful as it could be."

AAA Texas Travel Projections

AAA Texas projects that 5.7 million Texas residents will head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, a 1.3% increase over last year's record number of travelers. This year's Thanksgiving travel in the Lone Star State is also 2.4% higher than the pre-pandemic Thanksgiving holiday in 2019, when 5.6 million Texans took holiday getaways. Typically, with these big holiday trips and weekends, the number one mode of transportation is the automobile. It's the most convenient for families as they can leave and return when they want. It's also the most economical, allowing families to pack up the kids and take a road trip for a lot less money than purchasing airfare for everyone.

The Decision to Fly vs. Drive

For some, like Udit Chakravti, the decision to fly instead of drive was based on various factors. "We anticipated a lot of traffic going forward, a lot of people use cars and right now it's too expensive to rent a car as well. So I thought of cutting down the travel time and just flying," he said. The choice between flying and driving during Thanksgiving travel is a complex one, with each option having its own advantages and challenges.

Main Road was initially expected to open to limited traffic on October 15. However, this deadline was postponed twice, and finally, the roadway opened on November 14. The original plan was to have the work fully completed by November 22, but that has now changed.

The Reason for Extended Timeline

Welch Comer stated that the crews require more time to install new traffic control signals on Main and Spring streets. In the meantime, the old lights will be temporarily mounted until the new ones are delivered. This delay is crucial to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the traffic system.

Planting and Detours

Workers will continue their efforts in planting trees and bushes downtown until the first week of December. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the area but also contributes to the overall environment. Meanwhile, truck and vehicle detours on Bishop Boulevard will remain in place until this planting work is completed. These detours are necessary to ensure the safety of the workers and the smooth progress of the project.

Financing and Budget Overruns

The nearly $12 million project was funded by $9.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act. In September, the Whitman County Commissioners provided the city with $200,000 to assist with the costs. However, the project has faced several issues throughout the process. Along with the prolonged timeline, it is also running over budget due to added costs related to treating contaminated soil. This requires careful management and monitoring to ensure that the project remains within reasonable financial limits.

Challenges and Progress

The construction of Main Road has not been without its challenges. From dealing with contaminated soil to managing the extended timeline, each aspect has presented difficulties. But despite these challenges, the progress made so far is significant. The installation of new traffic control signals, the planting of trees and bushes, and the ongoing efforts to complete the project are all steps in the right direction. It is important to continue working towards the goal of a fully completed and functional Main Road.

Legacy Park is set to embark on an extensive build-out starting in 2026, with the first phase consisting of 439 single-family homes. This decade-long project holds significant potential for the town of Berthoud. (Will Cornelius/The Surveyor)

Unveiling Legacy Park's Residential Masterplan

Overview of Legacy Park's Development

The Legacy Park development team is awaiting approval from the Town of Berthoud to commence construction at Ludlow Farm in 2026. In 2010, the 306-acre farm was approved for both residential and commercial development. However, in 2023, a new plan increased residential zoning at the expense of commercial. The town board approved rezoning and a neighborhood master plan for Legacy Park at Ludlow Farm with a 6-1 vote.This current plan for Legacy Park includes 1,500 to 1,800 residential units, featuring a mix of single-family and multi-family housing. Commercial zoning is planned along Mountain Avenue and at a future traffic light intersection of Spartan Avenue and U.S. Highway 287. Given its scale, the entire project is likely to be completed by the 2030s.

The First Phase: Single-Family Homes on the Eastern Side

The first phase of Legacy Park will see 439 single-family homes constructed on the eastern side of the property. These homes will line Berthoud Parkway and be accessible via new roads within the property, with plans to extend Spartan Avenue. A roundabout will be installed at the intersection of Berthoud Parkway and Spartan Avenue.Mission Homes, a Berthoud-based company specializing in small affordable homes, will be the first builder. Gary Maggi, a realtor with over three decades of experience, emphasized the demand for such smaller, obtainable products. He pointed out the shortage of lower-priced affordable starter homes in Berthoud.David Gregg, who founded Mission Homes with his wife, echoed Maggi's comments. He highlighted that Mission Homes built 88 homes in Prairie Star and noted that since then, there have been no obtainable, modest homes built. Mission Homes plans to build houses in Legacy Park ranging from 900 to 1,200 square feet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Gregg confirmed that they aim to bring these homes to the market starting in the low 300s.

Addressing Concerns: Traffic and Housing Density

Traffic and housing density were major concerns expressed by the two dozen attendees at the meeting. The development team explained that they are guided by the town's master plan and regulations. Adding feeder roads designed to connect to major roads, including an intersection on U.S. 287, will help ease the traffic burden.They also emphasized that the town's ordinances and codes require large developments to include a mix of housing options, not just single-family housing. This ensures a more balanced and sustainable community.