SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – With Christmas and Hanukkah just a few days away, travel and shopping are on the top of everyone’s mind and AAA is expecting record-breaking amount of people hitting the road this holiday season.
AAA said that driving by car will be the most popular way for travelers to get to their holiday destinations this year. They explained that nearly 90 percent of holiday travelers will be driving to their destinations. AAA also projects that nearly 120 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home over the year-end holiday period from Saturday, December 21 to Wednesday, January 1.
| DATE | WORST TRAVEL TIME | BEST TRAVEL TIME |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, December 20 | 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Before 11 a.m. |
| Saturday, December 21 | 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Before 2 p.m. |
| Sunday, December 22 | 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Before 12 p.m. |
| Monday, December 23 | 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Before 11 a.m. |
| Tuesday, December 24 | Minimal traffic impact expected | |
| Wednesday, December 25 | Minimal traffic impact expected | |
| Thursday, December 26 | 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Before 11 a.m. |
| Friday, December 27 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Before 2 p.m. |
| Saturday, December 28 | 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Before 11 a.m. |
| Sunday, December 29 | 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Before 11 a.m. |
| Monday, December 30 | 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Before 2 p.m. |
| Tuesday, December 31 | Minimal traffic impact expected | |
| Wednesday, January 1 | Minimal traffic impact expected | |
| Thursday, January 2 | 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Before 3 p.m. |
Source: AAA/INRIX
With last minute shopping on everyone’s mind, we stopped by Riverdale Street Friday morning and traffic was pretty busy on Route 5 near the shopping plazas, so definitely be prepared for some delays if you’re planning on hitting the stores this weekend.
You can CLICK HERE for the latest on the traffic conditions
Copyright 2024. Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.