Traffic Forecast a Little Lighter for Memorial Day Weekend

Projections for Memorial Day weekend travel call for roughly the same volume of Philadelphia-area traffic as last year's holiday, while the nation as a whole is expected to travel a bit less, according to a AAA study released Wednesday.

The organization estimates 34.8 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home at some point Thursday through Monday. Last year, it was 35.1 million.

In the Philadelphia area, the figure is 404,000 travelers, about the same as last year.

Though bridge gridlock may suggest otherwise, only 22 percent of Philadelphia-area residents who travel this weekend are expected to be headed to the shore, according to AAA.

About 62 percent of survey respondents said gas prices wouldn't affect their plans. GasBuddy.com's report for the Philadelphia area shows last week's average price for regular fuel was $3.53, down from $3.70 a year ago.

Only 8 percent said they'd take a shorter trip than usual because of gas. Indeed, though fewer travelers are expected nationwide, so are longer trips. AAA predicts the average American will travel  690 miles over the holiday weekend, up from 642 last year.

For up-to-date traffic-volume alerts and gas-price deals, click "Commute" at the top of your Patch page.

Where are you going (or staying) for the Memorial Day weekend? Do you plan to attend any ceremonies or observances? Please tell us in the comments section below.