AAA reports that about 39.3 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more this holiday weekend, which would create the highest Memorial Day travel volume since 2005. The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as between Thursday, May 25 and Monday, May 29. Aside from the additional drivers on the roads, travelers will also have to contend with road construction, lane restrictions and closures this weekend.
With more people on the roads, it’s important to drive safely. Be well rested and alert, use your seat belts, observe speed limits and follow the rules of the road. If you plan on drinking alcohol, designate a driver who won’t drink. Prepare ahead of time by mapping your route and then using road services to get updates and help you avoid heavily trafficked areas.
New Jersey Department of Transportation spokesman Steve Schapiro said there are no lane closures scheduled from 6 a.m. Friday, May 26 through noon on Tuesday, May 30 along the Jersey Shore. However, there are several ongoing construction projects which may have lane shifts or new traffic patterns and drivers should slow down through the work zone.
One such project is taking place on 295. The project aims to create a seamless route for I-295 motorists traveling through the interchange of I-295, I76, and Route 42. Approximately 250,000 vehicles travel through the interchange daily to and from Camden, Philadelphia, and other destinations. Schapiro said it is the main route for those heading to the Shore from Philadelphia. Another major project in the shore region is being done on Route 72 and Manahawkin Bay Bridges.
While the majority of Memorial Day weekend traffic will be by personal vehicles – 88.1 percent – a large number of Americans are expected to travel by other modes of transportation. AAA estimates that 2.9 million Americans will fly this Memorial Day, increasing air travel by 5.7 percent over last year. About 1.75 million travelers will look to other modes of transportation, including cruises, trains and buses. That would be an increase of 3.2 percent from 2016, according to AAA.
Drive safe out there!!
As a partner with D'Arcy Johnson Day, Andrew D'Arcy has been involved in some of the nation’s most high-profile cases and investigations. His practice includes serious automobile accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death and product defect cases. Andrew has been personally responsible for numerous multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts on behalf of his clients. He has been recognized by his peers as an "AV" rated attorney, the highest possible rating given by Martindale-Hubbell publication. Andrew has been named a "Super Lawyer" by New Jersey Monthly magazine each year consistently since 2013.
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