Saturday August 31, 2024
According to the latest data on journey Since AAA and updates from the Department of Transportation (DOT), travelers should prepare for significant traffic congestion and potential delays.
Heavy traffic already reported
Traffic jams began to develop on Thursday afternoon, with those traveling north experiencing notable delays.
Adrienne Woodland, public relations program consultant for AAA, confirmed that the peak travel period began Thursday and is expected to continue through the weekend.
“Travel started in earnest yesterday, with peak traffic between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.,” Woodland said.
She said Friday and Saturday could see similar traffic patterns, with the heaviest traffic jams likely occurring in the middle of the day and early evening as weekend plans unfold.
The DOT recommended travelers consider hitting the road Saturday afternoon or early Sunday morning to avoid the worst traffic.
AAA ready to help motorists
In response to expectations journey sharp increase, AAA has intensified its roadside assistance services.
Woodland said, “AAA plans to help more than 300,000 stranded motorists nationwide over Labor Day weekend.
The majority of service calls should be for dead batteries, flat tires or lockouts.
Motorists are encouraged to ensure that their vehicle is in good working order before hitting the road.
DOT takes steps to reduce traffic congestion
To help alleviate some of the anticipated traffic congestion, the DOT announced that traffic cones have been removed from many construction projects underway across the state.
This measure aims to ease traffic flow and reduce traffic jams during the public holiday weekend.
Travel boom reflects broader trends
Woodland also highlighted the broader trend of increased travel in recent years, with 2024 continuing this upward trajectory.
“We have 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 with real-time traffic information via official DOT websites and mobile applications, which provide the latest information on road conditions and incidents.
