This Fourth of July weekend is predicted to have about 2.6 million people travelling across Michigan, according to AAA estimates. This is a new record for the state, rising by 3% from last year.
The Michigan Department of Transportation will suspend roadwork at 110 out of 179 projects across the state. Traffic restrictions at those places will be lifted from 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 3 until 6 a.m. on Monday, July 7, said Caitlyn French, the department’s spokesperson.
“That way holiday travelers are able to flow through there a lot better, (it) helps ease the congestion, and it makes it a whole lot safer for everybody, crews and motorists,” French said.
There are still some projects that the department isn’t able to pause. French highlighted the following:
- I-475 in Genesee County will still have southbound lanes closed.
- M-13/M-84 (Lafayette Street Bridge) is closed and detoured.
- M-58 in Saginaw County will have its eastbound traffic shifted onto the westbound side.
- I-75 in Saginaw County will have closures.
People can reference Mi Drive Map for more traffic congestion and active roadwork.
Lt. Michelle Robinson, a public information officer with the Michigan State Police, said there are going to be extra patrols on the road starting this holiday weekend through the end of the month.
“We're not out there trying to make your weekend plans bad,” she said. “We're out there to increase awareness so that everybody gets to their destination safely.”
The busiest days on the road this weekend are going to be Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 6, according to Adrienne Woodland, a spokesperson for AAA. There are expected to be about 2.4 million people travelling by car, 95,681 by air and 161,302 using other ways of transportation.
The number of people travelling by air nationally is expected to increase as well, reaching a new record of 5.8 million, which is an increase of 1.5% from last year, Woodland said.
“We've seen steady growth in travel year over year since the pandemic,” she said. “This year is no different, and we're seeing strong demand for road trips, flights and cruises, especially with the holiday falling on a Friday.”
There are several safety tips that experts recommend. For example, Woodland said AAA advises people to inspect their car before a trip and make sure their tires, battery, engine oil and other fluids are in good condition.
In addition, French said amidst this heavy traffic, people should stay patient while going across an active work zone and stay attentive on the road.
Robinson said during this holiday period, the state police sees an increase in travelers going at higher rates of speed and driving impaired.
“We encourage motorists (to) obey the speed limit,” Robinson said. “Plan your route ahead of time. Remember that it's a hands-free state. Put your phones down and always have a plan in place if you are going to be drinking.”
