IDOT delays Kennedy ramp closures as record Memorial Day travel expected
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Traffic heads north on the Kennedy Expressway. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios
Memorial Day travel is projected to beat a 20-year-old record high this year, according to AAA data released last week.
Why it matters: Americans' deep pessimism about the economy isn't deterring them from traveling to celebrate the unofficial start of summer.
- "Despite concerns over rising prices, many Americans say they're taking advantage of the long holiday weekend to spend time with loved ones, even if the trips are closer to home," AAA said in a statement.
By the numbers: 45.1 million Americans are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday.
- That's an increase of 1.4 million travelers from last year and surpasses the record 44 million people who traveled in 2005.
The latest: The Illinois Department of Transportation may have read the same data, because it's delaying the dreaded Kennedy outbound ramp closures until next week.
- The delay may come with a cost, as IDOT is going to close more ramps than originally planned.
- The closures begin next Tuesday and continue through June.
Zoom in: 87% of Memorial Day travelers, or 39.4 million people, are taking road trips this year, per AAA.
Yes, but: Over 39,000 people died from car accidents in 2024, according to the NHTSA.
- Last year, the Friday before the weekend saw 7.2% more trips than the Friday before, which points to more long-distance drivers on the road, which could lead to more fatigue, according to data collected by the mobility firm Arity.
- Arity also found that about 10% of drivers unlock their phones once every 75 miles and 25% check their phones at least once every 5 miles.
State of play: If you want to avoid traffic jams on Friday, the AAA suggests you leave early. The best time to drive on Friday would be before 10am, and to return before 2pm on Monday.
- The worst time? Friday afternoon from 2pm–6pm.
Reality check: Nationally, air travel is expected to increase 2% over last year at 3.61 million air passengers, but isn't predicted to set new records.
- 2.08 million people are expected to travel by train, bus or cruise over the holiday weekend.