The American Automobile Association (AAA) and INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Friday, June 30 to be the busiest day on the roads during the July 4th holiday weekend, with average travel times up nearly 30% over normal. Major metros like Boston, Seattle, and Washington, DC are expected to see the worst traffic. INRIX recommends leaving in the morning or after 6:00 p.m. to avoid the heaviest holiday congestion.
“With record-breaking travelers expected on the road this holiday weekend, drivers should prepare for above-average delays to their favorite destinations,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Using traffic apps, local DOT notifications, and 511 services are key to minimizing holiday travel traffic frustrations this Independence Day.”
Thursday, June 29
Worst Travel Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Best Travel Time: Before 12:00 PM
Friday, June 30
Worst Travel Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Best Travel Time: Before 10:00 AM, After 6:00 PM
Saturday, July 1
Worst Travel Time: 1:00 PM
Best Travel Time: Before 12:00 PM
Sunday, July 2
Minimal Traffic Impact Expected
Monday, July 3
Minimal Traffic Impact Expected
Tuesday, July 4
Worst Travel Time: 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Best Travel Time: Before 11:00 AM, After 6:00 PM
Wednesday, July 5
Worst Travel Time: 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Best Travel Time: Before 2:00 PM
Independence Day Holiday Travel Period
For purposes of this forecast, the Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as the five-day period from Friday, June 30 to Tuesday, July 4. When the Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday, it is considered to be a six-day holiday period, when it falls on any other day of the week the holiday period is a five-day window.
