Community Corner

Marylanders Hit the Roads for Memorial Day Weekend

Officials said high gas prices are not expected to be a deterrent for those looking to get away for the holiday.

High gas prices won’t deter millions of drivers from hitting the roads this weekend for the unofficial start of summer.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) said it expects a slight uptick in the number of people leaving home for the Memorial Day weekend, with 34.9 million Americans expected to travel more than 50 miles. While the number of people traveling by car could decline slightly, AAA said that overall, the cost of travel does not seem to be a major deterrent.

“Despite higher gas prices, the automobile is still the primary mode of travel for Americans for the Memorial Day holiday,” said Ragina C. Averella, manager of public and government affairs for AAA, in a statement. [W]hile travel by this mode is slightly down this year, the percentage decline is negligible.”

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Six out of ten drivers surveyed by AAA said they did not expect gas prices to impact their travel plans. However, the number of people traveling by air was predicted to hit 2.93 million, an 11.5 percent increase from last year.

The Maryland Transportation Authority, which manages the toll facilities in the state, said it expects 1.9 million motorists to pass through MDTA roads this weekend. That includes 363,000 vehicles on the Bay Bridge, 466,000 on I-95 and 507,000 through the Fort McHenry Tunnel in Baltimore.

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To avoid major traffic delays, MDTA suggested traveling in the morning or late evening.

The Maryland State Highway Administration will cease all roadwork during the weekend to avoid lane closures. The SHA also said it will add patrols throughout the state to ensure disabled vehicles are removed from roadways quickly.

SHA spokesman Charlie Gischlar said the key to an easy Memorial Day trip is staying informed. He pointed to several resources by the SHA, including its CHART service, which offers real-time updates on traffic conditions and incidents. The SHA’s “Road Ready” website also offers information on construction projects in the state.

“The best advice we can give to our customers is the more information you have, the better, and to leave at different times,” Gischlar said. “We tell people to leave at odd hours, maybe take alternative routes.”

Gischlar emphasized that making a simple, 10-minute check of your car before heading out of town could save considerable time and hassle.

“Look at your tire tread, make sure it’s adequate,” he said. “Check your fan belts, hoses, headlights and fluids. These are things that can be taken care of quickly and fairly inexpensively. Because you know when it will go wrong is when you’re sitting at a red light somewhere and your radiator hose pops, and you’re stuck.”

Drivers may also find it worth it to check travel conditions in other states. 

Motorists traveling north should be aware of potential delays in Delaware, due to continued work o the I-95 Newark Toll Plaza. The number of lanes in the area has been reduced due to the construction, and the Delaware Department of Transportation has recommended drivers find alternate routes.  


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