Best and Worst Times to Drive This July 4 Weekend

For a lot of people,  the Fourth of July means loading up the car and heading out for a long weekend. Whether you're driving to the Adirondacks, the Thousand Islands, Old Forge, Sylvan Beach, or visiting family across New York State, you're not alone.

AAA is projecting a record-breaking holiday travel period this year, with 72.2 million Americans expected to travel between June 27 and July 5. Of those travelers, 61.4 million will be hitting the road, making it the busiest Independence Day travel period on record.

Why So Many People Are Traveling

Even though gas prices remain elevated and airfare costs have increased compared to last year, Americans aren't letting higher prices stop their summer traditions.

Read More: Utica Fourth of July Celebration at Harbor Point 

AAA says many travelers are taking advantage of the extended holiday period, with some planning full-week vacations while others are simply escaping for a long weekend.

What It Means for Utica Drivers

If you're traveling from Utica, Rome, New Hartford, Herkimer, or anywhere in the Mohawk Valley, expect heavier traffic on major routes including the New York State Thruway (I-90), Route 12 heading toward the North Country, and highways leading into the Adirondacks and Finger Lakes.

Best Times to Drive

If you have flexibility, these are the recommended times to get on the road:

• Saturday, June 27: Before 10 a.m.
• Sunday, June 28: Before 11 a.m.
• Monday, June 29: Before noon
• Tuesday, June 30: Before 2 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 1: Before noon
• Thursday, July 2: Before noon
• Friday, July 3: Before 11 a.m.
• Saturday, July 4: After 3 p.m.
• Sunday, July 5: Before 11 a.m.

Worst Times to Drive

If possible, avoid these peak congestion periods:

• Saturday, June 27: Noon to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, June 28: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Monday, June 29: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 30: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 1: Noon to 9 p.m.
• Thursday, July 2: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday, July 3: Noon to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, July 4: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sunday, July 5: Noon to 6 p.m.

The Busiest Days

The biggest travel headaches will likely come on Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3, as holiday travelers begin making their way out of town. The return trip on Sunday, July 5, is also expected to be especially busy.

Read More: How to Help Your Dog Survive Fireworks Season 

So if you're planning a trip out of Utica this holiday week, consider grabbing that extra cup of coffee and hitting the road early. Your future self stuck in Thruway traffic will thank you.

A Few Local Destinations Expecting Crowds

Popular Fourth of July destinations for Central New Yorkers include:

• Old Forge
• Sylvan Beach
• Alexandria Bay and the Thousand Islands
• Lake George
• The Adirondacks
• Cooperstown
• Saratoga Springs

No matter where you're headed, AAA's advice is leave early. The earlier you leave, the smoother your trip is likely to be.