As the Labor Day weekend approaches, travelers should brace themselves for potentially record-breaking traffic on the roads. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is expecting a whopping 2.9 million motorists from Thursday, Aug. 29, to Monday, Sept. 2. This number surpasses last year’s figures and even edges out the record set in 2019.
Nationally, domestic travel over the holiday weekend is anticipated to rise by 9% compared to 2023, according to AAA. This increase in travel can be attributed, in part, to lower costs. Rental cars are currently 16% cheaper than last year, and the overall cost of domestic travel in the U.S. has decreased by 2%. Additionally, gas prices in the Philadelphia area are notably lower this year, making road trips a more attractive option.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is gearing up for the influx of drivers by increasing safety measures. Additional safety teams will be deployed, and the Pennsylvania State Police will be conducting heightened patrols. To minimize traffic congestion, all construction and maintenance work will be suspended from 3 p.m. on Thursday to 11 p.m. on Monday, ensuring all lanes remain open for travelers.
According to traffic analytics company INRIX, the most congested hours will likely be in the afternoon and early evening on Thursday and Friday. For those looking to navigate the roads more smoothly, mornings are recommended for travel, except for Saturday when lighter traffic is expected in the afternoon.