The PA Turnpike Commission has predicted another record-setting holiday travel period with more than 6.6 million motorists traveling the Turnpike beginning Thursday through the new year on Wednesday, Jan. 1.

“We have added resources to address any traffic and safety concerns due to the increased holiday traffic,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton.

“We are prepared, and our goal is to provide our customers the best travel experience possible. We also encourage travelers to prepare by using our real-time traffic and roadway conditions online and allowing plenty of time to navigate to, and from, their holiday destinations. Consider traveling during less busy times. If not, build in time, patience and take breaks along the way.”

For those hitting the road, the busiest days will today, Dec. 23 and Dec. 27 with over 600,000 vehicles each day.

The lightest travel days are projected to be Jan. 1 with 325,000 vehicles, followed by Christmas with 400,000 vehicles and then Sunday, Dec. 22 and Dec. 29 with about 425,000 each day.

Other days’ traffic volumes will be: Saturday, with 530,000 vehicles; Tuesday, with 500,000 vehicles; Dec. 26 with 550,000 vehicles; Dec. 28 with 545,000 vehicles;

Dec. 30 with 580,000 vehicles and Dec. 31 with 485,000 vehicles.

With the safety of travelers in mind, the Turnpike will increase safety and maintenance patrols throughout the holiday period.

Public Information Officer Corporal Holly Reber-Billings of the Pennsylvania State Police said Troop T Patrols will have a visible presence focusing on moving violations, including aggressive and distracted driving to ensure motorists arrive safely at their destinations.

Any scheduled construction or maintenance projects will be suspended during the holidays.

HMSHost will offer free coffee at all food vendors (except for Starbucks) from 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve through 5 a.m. on Jan. 1.