WASHINGTON — The end of summer is upon us, but it’s not leaving without one more traffic-choked holiday weekend. Here are the wort times to travel by car, plane or train.
The times to avoid driving are Friday afternoon when drivers try to get a jump on traffic and for the rush home late Monday afternoon.
AAA says falling gas prices will probably put more people on the road than usual. Drivers in the D.C. area are paying about 25 cents less for a gallon of gas over this time last year, according to data compiled by AAA Mid-Atlantic. The regional average is now $2.54 per gallon.
“Falling gas prices are not usual at this time of year but cheaper crude oil has served as an accelerator, which has been a nice treat for motorists as summer comes to a close,” said AAA’s John Townsend. “The AAA gas price forecast also bodes well for anyone planning a road trip this fall.”
To avoid Labor Day weekend traffic, AAA encourages drivers who have the flexibility to travel at off-peak hours.
The Maryland Transportation Authority said those bound for the Eastern Shore should drive the Bay Bridge at off times.
- Thursday before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
- Friday before 7 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
- Saturday before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
- Sunday before 8 a.m. and after midnight,
- Labor Day Monday before 10 a.m. and after midnight.
Maryland officials are also urging drivers to stay on Route 50—and to not take side or access roads that need to be clear for first responders and neighborhoods.
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In Virginia, VDOT has posted a travel trends map on its website so you can find the best time to drive. Spokesperson Ellen Kamilakis said that congestion will become heavier between noon and 6 p.m. on Friday and Monday, adding that routes to Virginia Beach will be slow mid-morning to evening on Saturday.
In the District, it’s best to avoid D.C. 295 where crews are doing five major construction projects and the speed limit has dropped to 40 miles per hour for a five-mile stretch. The new work zone speed limit starts on the north near East Capitol Street and stretches almost to the Maryland state line.