Record Travel Expected This Memorial Day Weekend

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Cars jammed on a highway as millions travel for Memorial Day.

News Summary

Memorial Day weekend is projected to see 45.1 million Americans traveling 50 miles or more from home, marking an increase of 1.4 million compared to last year. The majority, around 39.4 million, will travel by car, leading to heavy traffic across the nation. With California’s highways experiencing significant congestion, travelers are advised to plan their trips at optimal times to avoid delays. Recent trends show younger generations opting for road trips over flying, largely due to economic factors and current gas prices.

Washington, D.C. – Memorial Day weekend is expected to see a record number of travelers hitting the road, with 45.1 million Americans projected to travel 50 miles or more from home between May 22-26 this year. This marks an increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to the previous year, as families and friends embark on road trips to kick off the summer season.

Of the anticipated travelers, around 39.4 million are expected to travel by car, representing a one million increase from last Memorial Day weekend. This surge in road travel coincides with predictions of heavy traffic and road congestion across the country, as the busy driving season officially commences.

The Federal Highway Administration reports that the most congested roads in the U.S. can handle up to 500,000 vehicles per day. California is notable for having the most locations on the top 25 busiest highways list, with twelve locations each carrying over 300,000 vehicles daily. Among these, the busiest highway in the country is I-5 through Los Angeles, where an alarming average of over 504,000 vehicles is recorded each day.

Key Congestion Areas

Traffic congestion is not limited to California, however. Atlanta also ranks high in terms of traffic issues, with an Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) of 419,515. Other heavily trafficked highways include I-5 through Mission Viejo, which sees around 415,000 vehicles daily, and I-75 in Miami, which averages over 330,000 vehicles a day. The stretch of I-15 in Las Vegas carries over 332,000 vehicles, while I-90 through Chicago sees more than 320,000 cars daily.

New York and Los Angeles have been identified as the worst cities for traffic congestion, indicating that travelers should prepare for significant delays if heading into these urban areas.

Travel Strategies and Expectations

To alleviate some of the anticipated congestion, travelers are encouraged to plan their trips according to the best travel times identified for the weekend. Ideal travel times include:

Thursday, May 22: Before noon
Friday, May 23: Before 11 a.m.
Saturday, May 24: Before noon
Sunday, May 25: Before 1 p.m.
Monday, May 26: Before 2 p.m.

However, the worst times to be on the road are projected to be:

Thursday: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: Noon to 8 p.m.
Saturday: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

In Massachusetts, traffic is expected to peak on Friday morning, especially on I-93 North from Boston to Manchester, which has been identified as one of the most congested routes. To accommodate the increased travel volume, the I-93 Boston-Quincy HOV lane will operate earlier on Thursday and Friday.

Trends Influencing Travel Choices

Recent trends indicate that younger travelers, particularly those from Generation Z, are increasingly choosing to drive rather than fly. Influenced by economic factors and the recent drop in gas prices compared to last year, road trips are gaining popularity. Additionally, the impact of a recent Nor’easter resulted in delays at Logan International Airport, further driving travelers toward car travel.

Traffic Resources

Travelers are encouraged to utilize online tools and mobile applications for real-time traffic updates to navigate the heavy congestion expected this Memorial Day weekend. With careful planning and the right information, it is possible to mitigate the effects of the anticipated surge in road traffic.