Traveling for Labor Day? Here are 10 tips for a smooth weekend trip
With the Labor Day holiday upon us, here are 10 things to know about travel, traffic and transit.
• AAA predicts 35.5 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles from home this long weekend, surpassing every year since 2008. In Illinois, that means 1.9 million people will be out the door with 1.7 million drivers taking a final summer road trip.
• Gas prices dipped this week to $2.93 for a gallon of regular Thursday in the Chicago metro region compared to $3.17 last week and $3.68 a year ago, AAA reported. And if you're driving out-of-state, you may want to fill up in Wisconsin, Indiana or Michigan, with averages of $2.55, $2,40 and $2.43 a gallon, respectively.
• O'Hare and Midway International Airports expect to host 1.2 million passengers between Friday and Tuesday. Friday is the busiest day at both airports, so give yourself extra time. O'Hare travelers should be aware of lane closures on the upper level road at Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
• Most Metra lines will offer extra service Friday before 5 p.m. from Chicago to the suburbs for those leaving work early. On Monday, the railroad will operate on a holiday/Sunday schedule.
• The Illinois tollway expects 7.4 million vehicles on its roads Friday through Tuesday, up by 3 percent from 2014's total of 7.2 million. The worst travel day is Friday with nearly 1.8 million drivers cramming toll roads.
• Construction activity will be less but won't go away on toll roads this weekend with hot spots on: the Jane Addams (I-90) between Elgin and O'Hare and the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway (Route 390) between Lake Street and I-290.
• Illinois State Police and 250 county and municipal police departments are promising enhanced patrols and roadside safety checks throughout the weekend.
• The crackdown comes after a fatal Labor Day weekend in 2014, when 16 people died in traffic crashes.
• The CTA is providing additional buses on Routes No. 130 and No. 146 Saturday for rugby fans headed to the USA Rugby Eagles vs. Australian Wallabies match at Soldier Field.
• Finally, on a sweet and sour note, passengers can enjoy free lemonade at Midway Airport Friday and Tuesday.