4th of July weekend: Best and worst times to travel in PA

(WTAJ) – As Pennsylvanians get ready for barbecues, parades, and fireworks, officers are getting ready for increased holiday travel.

AAA estimates that nearly 80 million people will travel 50 miles or further from home to celebrate Independence Day, from July 4 through the weekend. That’s an increase of 5%compared to 2023.

“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a press release. “We anticipate this July 4th week will be the busiest ever with an additional 5.7 million people traveling compared to 2019.”

Many of those travelers are expected to use the PA Turnpike this year, with officials anticipating a national record increase.

To avoid accidents, Pennsylvania State Police will have increased numbers of patrol cars on the roads to increase driver safety. Officers will be monitoring speed limits, proper travel distance, and safe driving behavior.

To avoid congestion problems, the PA Turnpike announced that all roadway construction and maintenance projects are suspended from Friday, June 28 to Sunday, July 7.

AAA officials explained the increased travel may be due to lower gas prices, which are expected to continue going down through July 4. Last year, the national average was $3.53.

Best/Worst times to Drive

Transportation experts advise that the worst times to travel by car, before and on July 4, are between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Drivers are advised to travel during morning hours, and avoid rush hour traffic peaks on Monday, July 8.

“Drivers in large metro areas can expect the worst traffic delays on Wednesday, July 3rd, as they leave town, and Sunday, July 7th, as they return,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, a transportation data and insights company, said in a press release. “Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal. Travelers should monitor 511 services, local news stations, and traffic apps for up-to-the-minute road conditions.”

For travel on July 8, from the Poconos to Philadelphia via the PA Turnpike, drivers are advised of a 50 percent increase in traffic during the 8:30 a.m. commute: 3 hours 17 minutes.

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The number of air travelers is also expected to reach a new record. AAA anticipates 5.74 million people will be flying during the 4 ^th of July weekend – an increase of nearly 7% compared to last year.

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