July 4th Getaway Begins
Holly (WWJ) -- The holiday weekend is here and thousands of campers, motorhomes and vans are on the freeways heading for campgrounds, cottages and other places for the Fourth of July.
AAA Michigan estimates 1.2 million Michiganians will travel this weekend, which runs through Monday.
While most vacationers will drive, 29-thousand will fly and another 64-thousand will jump on a train or bus.
"The U.S. economy is in a much different place than it was one year ago," noted AAA Michigan President Steve Wagner. "We're seeing more travelers taking to the road to visit family and friends."
Residents are headed for all parts of the country and even into Canada.
WWJ traffic reporter Bill Szumanski reported a lineup of campers at the Ambassador Bridge early Friday morning. WWJ's Ron Dewey talked with a Shelby Township couple who are heading to Idaho with their five children.
Motorists will find gas prices slightly higher than last year, $2.74 as of June 22 - up four cents per gallon from year ago levels.
AAA Michigan says the average distance traveled by Americans this Fourth of July holiday weekend is forecast to be 617 miles. Median spending is estimated to be $644, nearly $50 less than last year.
A majority of people will spend time with friends and relatives over the holiday.
Road construction projects across the state have been halted for the weekend, however some freeway lanes will be blocked by construction barrels. Click here for complete traffic information.
If you are staying around Metro Detroit and are looking to see fireworks, click here for a complete list.
The weather is expected to be a nice this weekend. Click here for complete details.
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