(The Center Square) – A near-record number of Tennesseans are expected on the roads during the holiday season, most by automobile, but they won’t have to slow down for construction.
The American Automobile Association estimates 2.58 million from the Volunteer State will travel more than 50 miles away by car. The number is close to the 2019 record and 62,000 more than last year.
“Many travelers, particularly families with young children, prefer the flexibility and lower cost that road trips provide,” said AAA spokeswoman Megan Cooper.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all construction work between 11:59 p.m. Monday through 11:59 p.m. Jan. 1 to make it easier for travelers, the department said. A few roads closed for safety will not reopen.
“Safety is our top priority and with so many people expected to travel Tennessee roadways during the holidays, we want to keep traffic moving and get everyone to their destinations,” said Deputy Governor and Department of Transportation Commissioner Butch Eley.
Gas prices are a bit higher than one week ago, according to AAA. Motorists are paying an average of $2.72 for a regular unleaded gallon of gas as of Dec. 19, compared to last week when the price was $2.65. But the cost is lower than a year ago when the same gallon of gas cost $2.76.
Not all travelers prefer road trips.
The Memphis International Airport expects 105,000 people to fly in or out between Thursday and Jan. 2. The busiest day will be Friday when 8,200 people will go through a TSA checkpoint, airport officials said.
