July Fourth traffic outlook: With millions hitting the road, ODOT to pause some work
The Ohio Department of Transportation will press pause on some highway construction projects next week as 3 million Ohioans are expected to hit the road to celebrate Independence Day.
To help alleviate congestion for the holiday week, ODOT said it will stop construction on any projects it can during the week to open up as many lanes as possible for drivers. Not all projects can be shut down, though, ODOT spokesman Matt McGuire said, so drivers can still expect traffic impacts and road closures.
When each project will close could vary by project. McGuire said some projects that have existing lane closures are likely to wrap up this weekend. For others, ODOT will not have contractors establish new zones until after the holiday period.
Across America, AAA projects a record-breaking 70.9 million people will travel 50 miles or more between June 30 and July 7. That's a 5% increase from last year and an 8% increase from 2019.
AAA also expects 3.3 million Ohioans will travel at least 50 miles, a 5.3% increase from 2023. The agency expects 3 million of those Ohioans to make their trip by car, a 5.1% increase from last year.
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“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 news release. “We anticipate this July 4 week will be the busiest ever with an additional 5.7 million people traveling compared to 2019.”
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What are the best and worst times to drive July 4 week?
AAA projects a record 60.6 million people will travel by car over Independence Day week – 2.8 million more travelers than the roads saw last year.
Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst with traffic analytics and insights provider INRIX, said in AAA’s release that drivers across the country should expect the worst delays on July 3 as people leave for Independence Day and on July 7 when many will return.
July 3 is also when Red, White & Boom, Columbus' fireworks show and festival, will likely cause traffic jams and street closures.
INRIX has identified the best and worst times to drive in the week of the holiday across the country:
Monday, July 1: INRIX reported is expects a minimal traffic impact
Tuesday, July 2: The best time to travel is after 7 p.m. and worst is between 2-6 p.m.
On July 3 and 4, the best time to travel is before noon and worst is between 2-7 p.m.
On Friday July 5, the best time is before 10 a.m. and worst is between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
On Saturday July 6, the best time to travel is before 10 a.m. and worst is between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
On Sunday July 7, the best time is before 11 a.m. and worst is between 2-8 p.m.
On Tuesday July 8, the best time is after 7 p.m. and worst is between 1-5 p.m.
Video: 2023 Red, White and Boom from the Junto Hotel in downtown Columbus, Ohio
4th of July gas prices
According to AAA, gas prices are lower than last year when the national average was $3.53. AAA expects prices to continue to go down until July 4 and at that point level off until Labor Day.
July 4 flying outlook
AAA projects a 4.1% increase in Ohioans traveling by plane the week of the holiday due to lower airfares.
The Columbus Regional Airport Authority expects 170,000 passengers to leave from both John Glenn International Airport and the Rickenbacker Passenger Terminal between June 29 and July 7.
@donovanhunt9
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: July 4 traffic outlook: What to expect from ODOT, gas prices, flying