Low Gas Prices Fuel Jump in Memorial Day Weekend Travel
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- AAA estimates more than 38 million people will travel for Memorial Day. That's the second highest number of travelers in over a decade.
The good news is AAA says that's because gas is cheap. You just have to be willing to dodge a lot of orange cones.
Julie Reade made the three hour trip from her home in Bruton, Minnesota to the Twin Cities to spend the holiday weekend with her grandkids. Between construction and traffic, she was prepared for a slow drive.
"Everybody said avoid 94," Reade said.
AAA says nearly 34 million travelers will drive to their Memorial Day destinations, a 2.1 percent increase from last year.
The reason? The holiday gas prices are the lowest in 11 years.
"It's the unofficial start of the summer traveling season," said Bruce Gordon from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Gordon says the increase in travelers during construction season means an increased need to pay attention on the roads.
"Slow down. Remember, it's a $300 fine if you exceed the speed limit that's posted for a construction area," he said.
It's also a busy weekend at the airports. Nationally, the Friday before Memorial Day is the highest travel day of the year.
But here in cabin country, the 30,000 that go through security is less than a weekend during spring break.
"We're just going to have quiet family time at the lake and just relax," said Schailis Sievert of Brainerd.
Since 90 percent of Minnesota travelers will be driving this weekend, all you have to do is be prepared.
"We have food and we have a bag right beside her car seat full of activities," said Sievert.
The average price for a gallon of gasoline in Minnesota is $2.27. That is 31 cents cheaper than it was at this time last year
So even if you aren't going to the lake for Memorial Day, you can at least enjoy a cheaper commute when you head back to work Tuesday.