Traveling On Labor Day? You’re Not Alone, Authorities Say

The Labor Day weekend travel season gets underway Thursday.

Heavier-than-usual volume is expected on highways and at airports for the traditional end to the summer vacation season.

Officials from the Pennsylvania Turnpike – which locals might take to get to the shore or mountains – said they project 3.6 million vehicles will travel the statewide highway between Thursday and next Tuesday. Friday is anticipated to be the busiest day.

“Family travel will be winding down as our kids head back to school and we settle into our fall routines,” said Pennsylvania Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “However, many are taking one last trip before saying goodbye to summer. Planning ahead and avoiding distracted or drowsy driving can make all the difference as we will see an upsurge in traffic on the Turnpike over the next few days.”

If you’re heading to the shore, traffic to the New Jersey and Delaware shore points is expected to be heavy leading up to and after the weekend.

In anticipation of the heavy travel, Delaware and the Pennsylvania Turnpike have suspended all non-emergency lane closures between Friday and next Tuesday.

Trade organization Airlines for America is expecting a record 17.5 million passengers in the skies across the country during the Labor Day travel period. Last year, the number was about 16.9 million flyers.

In Pennsylvania, there will be stepped up police traffic patrols due to the holiday weekend.

“We have seen a very active summer travel season and will have additional patrols on the roadway this weekend to assist motorists and keep travelers safe,” said Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Holly Reber-Billings. “Please remember to move over and slow down when approaching emergency vehicles and tow trucks stopped along the roadway providing assistance to motorists. It is the law and it protects those who are working close to traffic.”