AAA expects 72.2 million people to travel over Independence Day, and 85% of them are expected to go by car. Mark Schieldrop, the AAA spokesperson, said June 27 will be the first real big travel day over the holiday period, so drivers should plan for a full week of busy roads.
Mark Schieldrop on June 27
“A lot of folks will be taking the 27th, as the first real big travel day over that holiday period. So, it's really a whole week,” Schieldrop said. He also advised drivers that “the earlier you leave, the better,” as traffic is expected to build right around lunchtime most days over the holiday.
AAA travel week
AAA said Independence Day and the July 4 week are one of the busiest weeks on the roadways, and Schieldrop called it “the peak of the summer driving season.” He said Americans are still traveling despite high inflation and other economic pressures, adding, “They're prioritizing it over other things in their budget. They're cutting back in other areas to afford travel. And that's a trend we've been seeing for a number of years.”
Massachusetts gas prices
Gas prices have dropped in recent weeks, but Massachusetts gas prices are still nearly a dollar higher than last year’s prices. Schieldrop said that gap has not kept people from making holiday plans, even as the cost of driving remains above last year’s level.
After July 4, Schieldrop said the workweek period is expected to see higher volumes than the afternoon hours, particularly that afternoon. For travelers heading out over the holiday week, the practical move is to leave earlier in the day and expect the heaviest congestion to build around lunchtime.
