The unofficial start of summer is here. Memorial Day weekend usually signifies the beginning of the summer travel season, and this year travel levels are expected to return to pre-pandemic numbers.

Get our free mobile app

According to the AAA's 2022 Memorial Day Holiday Travel Forecast, around 39.2 million people in the United States are expected to travel 50 or more miles from their homes during the holiday weekend (May 26-30th) which is an increase of 3 million people compared to the same weekend in 2021. That means that Memorial Day weekend travel will be around 92% of the 2019 pre-pandemic level.

 

One thing that will factor into travel this weekend will be gas prices, as they hit another all-time high across the country and in New York State.

One thing that won't be a factor, at least in New York State, is construction on the highways.  Governor Kathy Hochul announced this morning that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6 am today, until 6 am on Tuesday, May 31st, to help to ease travel for New Yorkers throughout Memorial Day weekend.

Governor Hochul said via a press release:

Memorial Day is a great time of year to travel and enjoy everything that New York State has to offer...in order to make our State roads safer and more efficient for motorists, we are suspending all road and bridge construction throughout the holiday weekend. I encourage all New Yorkers to have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend and remind them to please drive responsibly and help ensure this is happy and safe time for all.

If you are heading out on the road this weekend, you can check NYSDOT's 511NY which allows you to check road conditions, view 2219 traffic cameras, and link to air and transit information. The service is free of charge.

Vintage Fantasy Island Rides

Gallery Credit: Credit - John Anthony

Niagara Falls Through the Years

Gallery Credit: Getty Images

See Nature on Fire with Amazing Colors at Whirlpool State Park

Gallery Credit: Nik Rivers

More From The New 96.1 WTSS