Expect frustrating travel for 2024 Labor Day weekend in Michigan

• Travel over this Labor Day weekend is expected to be up 9% compared with 2023.

What they're saying: "In terms of Labor Day travel, because a lot of kids are already in school, a lot of families are opting for road trips," Adrienne Woodland, AAA Michigan spokesperson, tells Axios.

• She notes that this summer was a busy travel season, and AAA expects Labor Day to follow that pattern.
• "Just prepare yourself for busy roadways," she says.

State of play: AAA and INRIX, a company that analyzes transportation data, suggest motorists avoid traveling Friday evening to escape the worst traffic.

Between the lines: On the plus side, domestic travel costs are expected to be down 2% compared with last year, according to AAA.

• Michigan gas prices were down 5 cents Wednesday from the previous week, to an average $3.41, AAA reports. That's down 39 cents from last month and 37 cents from last year.

Plus, congestion related to summer road and bridge construction will ease up. The Michigan Department of Transportation plans to remove lane restrictions for 60% of its projects from 3pm Friday until 6am Tuesday, according to a news release.