Memorial Day Travel, Post-Recession High

May 23, 2014 9:45 pm

Memorial Day is quickly approaching, some will be firing up the grill and others traveling.

AAA predicts a record number of travelers, with a post-recession high.

The organization expects 31.8 million people will travel on roadways across the country, that’s up 1.5 percent from last year.

Nebraska will welcome many of those travelers, Bill Walters and Allaroy Gunnels Sr, pulled off the road in Lincoln to fill up, they’re headed to Omaha from Denver. Greg Terry of Dayton, Ohio also stopped at a Lincoln Phillips 66 off of Interstate 80. “We left Dayton at 4 o’clock this morning and it’s an 18 hour drive so it’s been a long day,” explains Terry. He’s headed to Wyoming to run his 54th marathon, and then he’s off to Denver to visit his son.

Travel this weekend is expected to be the second busiest for the holiday since 2000.

AAA credits a long winter, leaving people eager to get away and an improved economy.

Before cars flood the highways, Nebraska Department of Roads wants you to be prepared.

The department says it’s best to plan ahead, their website, 511.nebraska.gov allows you to do that by checking weather conditions, road delays or construction projects.

Mary Jo Oie, with the Department of Roads says, “During the memorial holiday we won’t be actually working, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a work zone. You might see signs, maybe barrels or cones, definitely reduced speed limits, maybe even lane restrictions.”

You can also call 511 for updates on your route.