Labor Day travel surges, but local closures linger
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MDOT is shutting down work and reopening lanes at 100 construction sites across the state this weekend. But some Metro Detroit road projects are too big and complex for the holiday accommodations, officials say.
The big picture: Labor Day weekend travel is expected to surpass last year's record levels.
- Gas is cheaper and, per AAA, travelers are paying less for flights, hotels and car rentals.
Zoom in: Although MDOT is taking some respite this weekend, the agency is unable to lift traffic restrictions at several major Metro Detroit projects, such as the eastbound I-696 closure in Oakland County and various lane and ramp closures on the Lodge Freeway in Detroit.
- Here's the agency's list of projects that will remain active or have lane restrictions during Labor Day weekend.
What they're saying: "People here in Metro Detroit aren't going to get much of a break," MDOT spokesperson Diane Cross tells Axios.
Yes, but: Statewide, lane restrictions are being lifted from 3pm Friday to 6am Tuesday at 100 of the state's 164 ongoing road and bridge projects to ease traffic congestion.
Zoom out: Domestic round-trip flights in the U.S. are 6% cheaper than last Labor Day, according to AAA.
- Hotel rates are down 11%, while car rentals cost 3% less.
At the pump, average gasoline prices nationwide are expected to be lower over the weekend than in recent years.
- Metro Detroit's gas prices generally mirror the national trend.
By the numbers: Metro Detroit drivers were paying $3.33 per gallon yesterday, compared to $3.22 at the beginning of the month.
- Prices have been on the rise this summer, but they're down from a year ago, according to monthly data from GasBuddy.