How Will Gas Prices Effect 4th of July Travel in Massachusetts?

Memorial Day has come and gone, and although it's not quite officially summer, the season is fully underway. That means folks across Massachusetts are prepping for one of the country's favorite holidays, we're talking about Independence Day, of course!

If you plan to travel for this year's 4th of July holiday, AAA advises that your trip may take longer than expected. The travel experts are warning drivers to be prepared to sit in significant traffic during peak travel times.

According to the AAA Independence Day travel forecast, a projected 61.4 million people will hit the road by car over the July 4th week, virtually matching last year's figure of 61.3 million drivers.

Road trips remain the choice for 85% of Independence Day travelers, despite gas prices hitting their highest marks in four years. While pump prices have risen from last year's national average of $3.15 per gallon, they remain notably lower than the 2022 peak of $4.80. Even with heightened fuel costs, driving remains far more economical than booking airline flights for many vacationers, particularly families traveling with children

New England interstates are going to be busy when 89% of the region’s 2.7 million travelers drive this July 4 holiday, says AAA Northeast.

In Massachusetts, about 1.2 million people are expected to hit the road. Increased travel is expected to start Thursday, July 2, however, peak congestion is expected on Friday, July 3.