If you’re getting in the car and traveling this weekend, you won’t be alone. AAA Idaho expects 176,000 Idahoans will be driving somewhere over Memorial Day.
Add in other forms of travel, and AAA expects 200,000 Idahoans to travel at least 50 miles over the holiday.
Where are they going? AAA says all the state and U.S. highways will be busy. In particular, AAA singles out Highway 55, because it’s the North/South route between the Treasure Valley and hotspots like McCall and Cascade. Stanley, state parks, national forests and anywhere with a lake or reservoir will also be in high demand, says AAA.
What will it cost? Even though gas prices have been climbing this month, AAA says Idaho drivers will still get a good deal at the pump.
“Idahoans will pay the lowest Memorial Day gas prices going back to 2009,” says Dave Carlson, AAA Idaho spokesman.
Lower prices mean more money for trips. AAA expects a close to two-percent increase in holiday travel, thanks to gas prices. And 55 percent of Americans are more likely to take a road trip this year. 2016 may be the busiest driving year ever.
Last year at this time, Idahoans were paying 40 cents more a gallon. In 2014, drivers were paying $3.61 for gas. Thursday, Idaho’s average price for a gallon of gas was $2.45.
AAA says 34 million Americans will hit the road this weekend.
Find Samantha Wright on Twitter @samwrightradio
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