The number of road travelers in China is expected to hit 89.1 million on Wednesday, the sixth day of the week-long Spring Festival holiday, as many return to their jobs from family reunions.

The figure is up 5.4 percent from the corresponding period last year, according to a road network monitoring center under the Ministry of Transport.

Snowstorms in central and eastern regions are disrupting travel plans for millions. Sections of a total of 69 highways in Hebei, Shanxi, Shandong, Henan and Shaanxi provinces have been closed as icy and slippery roads pose safety risks.

The ministry asked that ice and snow be removed from highways in a timely manner to ensure safe trips for travelers.