Get ready for a busy Labor Day weekend on the roads! According to the latest data from AAA and the Department of Transportation (DOT), travelers should brace themselves for significant congestion and potential delays.
The heavy traffic surge began on Thursday afternoon, with travelers heading north encountering noticeable delays. Adrienne Woodland, Public Relations Program Consultant for AAA, confirmed that the peak travel period started on Thursday and is expected to continue throughout the weekend. “Travel began in earnest yesterday, with traffic peaking between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.,” Woodland stated. She anticipates similar traffic patterns on Friday and Saturday, with the heaviest congestion likely occurring midday and early evening.
To avoid the worst of the traffic, the DOT recommends hitting the road on Saturday afternoon or early Sunday morning.
In anticipation of the increased travel volume, AAA has ramped up its roadside assistance services. Woodland noted, “AAA expects to assist over 300,000 stranded motorists nationwide during the Labor Day Weekend. The majority of service calls are expected to involve dead batteries, flat tires, or lockouts.” It’s crucial for motorists to ensure their vehicles are in good working order before embarking on their journeys.
To help ease the anticipated traffic congestion, the DOT has removed traffic cones from many ongoing construction projects across the state. This initiative aims to smooth traffic flow and reduce bottlenecks during the holiday weekend.
Woodland also pointed to the broader trend of increased travel over the past few years, with 2024 continuing this upward trajectory. “We’ve seen a significant increase in travel since 2022, and this year is no exception. We expect more people to travel this Labor Day compared to previous years,” she added.
Motorists are advised to stay informed about real-time traffic conditions through official DOT websites and mobile apps. These platforms provide the latest updates on road conditions and incidents, helping travelers navigate the busy roads more effectively.
