Millions expected to travel this Labor Day weekend

by STEVEN FARLEY, Of The Patriot-News

Thursday September 03, 2009, 8:00 AM

DAN GLEITER, The Patriot-News/2008Route 581

A late Labor Day will result in about 13 percent fewer travelers on the upcoming holiday weekend, according to a AAA forecast. But 39.1 million Americans are still expected to travel more than 50 miles from home. And many of those travelers will be enjoying gasoline far cheaper than a year ago and plenty of deals at hotel and resorts, thanks to the weak economy.

FILL 'ER UP

Gasoline is about $1 per gallon cheaper this year than a year ago. The average price for a gallon of unleaded last year was $3.68 after peaking at a record $4.11 per gallon on July 17; this year the average price is $2.60, AAA said.

ON THE ROAD

Less expensive gas also is likely to fuel an increase in traffic this weekend on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, said turnpike spokesman Carl DeFebo. Turnpike officials are expecting 2.2 million vehicles this Labor Day, up 200,000 or 10 percent from last year, DeFebo said. That's part of a trend on the turnpike this summer as traffic is up despite a 25 percent toll increase, he said.

Construction crews will suspend work on turnpike projects for the weekend. State police officials said they have extra troopers on duty looking for impaired drivers.

FLY AWAY

For those choosing to fly, traffic out of Harrisburg International Airport will be close to normal, said airport spokesman Scott Miller. "Labor Day is never a huge flying weekend as most people around here drive," he said.
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