AAA predicts record-breaking July 4 travel

Because the Fourth of July falls midweek this year, a recordbreaking 47 million Americans will travel this holiday, AAA said.

The number is a 5.3 percent increase over last year and the highest July Fourth number since AAA started tracking travel statistics nearly two decades ago.

What’s driving the record numbers?

“A strong economy, more disposable income and the fact that July Fourth falls on a Wednesday,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. This

Major Connecticut roads like Interstates 95, 84 and 91 and the Merritt and Wilbur Cross parkways will be jammed. The worst congestion in the New York metro area, including southwest Connecticut, will be July 3 in the late afternoon.

gives travelers more flexibility to schedule trips the weekend before or after the holiday.”

Most people — 40 million — will be traveling by motor vehicle.

And that means major Connecticut roads like Interstates 95, 84 and 91 and the Merritt and Wilbur Cross parkways will be jammed.

The worst congestion in the New York metro area, including southwest Connecticut, will be July 3 in the late afternoon. That’s when travelers will mix with commuters on the major roads.

Congestion will be so bad, AAA said, travel times could take twice as long as normal trips.

Along with more vehicles on the road, there will be an increased police presence. State Police will have ramped-up enforcement to catch aggressive, texting, drunk and speeding drivers.

Among the few options are traveling on off-peak commuting hours or seeking alternate routes.

AAA said higher gas prices will make driving more expensive than last year.

A gallon of regular gas in Connecticut costs $3.10 — 64 cents more than last Independence Day.

Travelers who fly will pay an average $171 for a round-trip flight along the top 40 domestic routes, according to AAA’s Travel Index. This figure is the lowest Independence Day airfare in five years, and 9 percent less than last year.

On the other hand, travelers who rent cars and stay in midrange hotels can expect to pay higher prices.

At $66, the average daily car rental cost is 2 percent higher than last year; while the average nightly rate at AAA Two Diamond hotels is $147, 11 percent more than last year. AAA Three Diamond hotels average $187, a 2 percent increase.