New England Joins the Nationwide Travel Surge with Three Million People Expected to Hit the Roads and Skies This Fourth of July Weekend, Creating Unprecedented Congestion

Although the heavy volume of travelers led to some congestion, many road trip enthusiasts were able to avoid major delays by departing early in the weekend. Travelers who took to the highways first thing Saturday morning, when many others were still preparing to leave, found that their efforts paid off in terms of a smoother drive. Those who left later in the day faced longer travel times as traffic built up, with the busiest times generally occurring around midday.

However, those opting for air travel experienced relatively smooth airport operations. Despite the rush of holiday flyers, travelers reported minimal delays and efficient processes at major airports like Boston Logan and Providence T.F. Green. As air travel demand also surged, many flights to popular destinations were at full capacity, with long lines at ticket counters and security checkpoints in the early hours of the morning.

By Sunday morning, as many began their return journeys home, the roads began to clear, and lighter traffic prevailed. For those who had planned ahead and left early, their return trip was far less stressful, highlighting the benefits of early travel times during peak holiday periods. On the flip side, those who opted for later departures faced some traffic delays but were still able to get to their destinations without significant issues.