But all roads lead to Civil War game

Despite gas prices nearing $2 in Oregon and nationally, more people are expected to stay home for the Thanksgiving holiday.

According to AAA, 1.4 percent fewer travelers are expected this week, a drop of 600,000 from last year's total of 41.6 million.

"This is the first decline in Thanksgiving holiday travel since 2002 and is the fourth consecutive travel holiday this year with a year-to-year decline in the number of travelers," says AAA Oregon/Idaho Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds. "The overall state of the economy continues to present real challenges for some Americans looking to travel this Thanksgiving."

More than 33.2 million Americans, 81 percent of all holiday travelers, expect to travel by automobile, a 1.2 percent decrease from the 33.6 million people who drove a year ago.

Those who do hit the road will see gas prices that haven't been this low since early 2005.

Oregon's average for regular unleaded this week is $2.03 per gallon, and the national average is $1.89. Both averages are about a dollar less than they were a year ago, and about half of July's record highs of more than $4 a gallon.

Locally, a gallon of regular averages $2.09. That's also a far cry from prices that topped at $4.29 here at the end of June.

Nearly 4.54 million - about 11 percent of holiday travelers - plan to travel by airplane, a 7.2 percent decrease from the 4.89 million travelers who flew last year.

Most airlines continue to charge fees for some checked baggage and beverages and snacks, in addition to fuel surcharges.

While still a minority, 3.26 million plan to use rail or bus service to travel for turkey. That's an increase of 5.8 percent over last year.

In Oregon, plenty are expected to make the trek to Corvallis for Saturday's Civil War faceoff at Reser Stadium.

But look out: Oregon State Police and other law enforcement agencies are stepping up patrols to handle highway incidents, dangerous drivers and stadium-related problems. Extra state troopers will be posted on Interstate 5 and secondary highways leading to Corvallis.

According to Oregon State Police, during past Civil War football games at Reser Stadium, an average of 35 people are removed for disorderly behavior, possession of alcohol, severe intoxication and minor in possession of alcohol by consumption.

Holiday weather is expected to be fair for traveling, according to the National Weather Service. Some areas of fog in the valley are expected and forecasts call for temperatures in the high 40s, with a slight chance for rain locally on Thursday, but otherwise clear and calm across the state.

Matt Neznanski can be reached at 758-9518 or matt.neznanski@lee.net