If you're going away for the holiday weekend, get planning.
AAA estimates that about a million people in the D.C. area will travel by car over the holiday weekend.
The worst time to be on the roads in the D.C. area will be Thursday from 4:30 to 7 p.m., according to AAA and the transportation analytics firm INRIX. Late afternoon Friday also will be bad, the two groups say, as commuters again mix with holiday travelers.
The worst time on the Outer Loop of the Beltway is expected to be about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, the day after Memorial Day, AAA says. On the Inner Loop, the worst time is expected about 4:45 p.m. the day after Memorial Day. On I-95 North, try to avoid driving about 6 p.m. Monday. On I-95 South, avoid driving at 5 p.m. Thursday.
In Virginia, the state transportation department will suspend most construction projects and lane closures for the long weekend. They say traffic will be the worst between noon and 6 p.m. Friday and Monday, and during midday Saturday and Sunday. Go here to see historic travel trends in the state. Virginia offers real-time traffic information by phone, online and through a smartphone app. Go here to learn more.
Before hitting the road, AAA advises that you have your battery tested, look for engine coolant leaks and check the condition of your tires. Be prepared with a cellphone and charger, a flashlight, a tool kit, water and snacks.
Stay with News4 for real-time traffic info. You can see road conditions here.
