Labor Day traffic woes: Travelers face increased congestion on expressways

CHICAGO - Labor Day Weekend marked one of the last chances for a summer getaway before the weather turns, and many locals seized the opportunity to skip town.

This holiday, travel is up nine percent compared to last year, according to travel experts with AAA.

At the Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis in South Holland, there was no shortage of pit stops as people worked their way back home Monday afternoon. Many travelers exited along the Tri-State Tollway to stretch their legs, grab a bite to eat, and fuel up.

"We do this every year and it’s actually worse this year than it’s ever been," said traveler Jon Koziol.

Part of what's driving the increase in travel this year, is the cost. According to AAA, travel expenses for the holiday weekend are down two percent over last year.

Those who drove to their destinations are seeing some of those savings at the pump.

Statewide, gas prices are down 37 cents per gallon compared to last Labor Day, and in Chicago – they are down 52 cents per gallon.

"It’s kind of like the last hurrah of summer for boating and all that, so we try and make it count," said Koziol.

Wisconsin and Michigan were among popular destinations for locals, including Koziol who traveled to the area of South Haven with his family.

On Monday, he spent much of the return trip stuck in traffic.

"Congested pretty much the whole way, we hit traffic probably about 20 minutes onto the expressway," said Koziol.

"Everybody was kind of piling in on I-94, but from Detroit all the way there was great," added Eddie Siena.

For many, a day off makes up for the multitude of people – and so does time spent with family.

"This is Bailey, she was baptized up there," said Julie Varty, who visited relatives in Marysville, Michigan and celebrated her daughter’s baptism. "The weather was perfect this weekend."

"No work today," said Griselda Zaragoza, who lives in the suburbs. "We went to South Haven, we went to St. Joseph, New Buffalo. Everywhere there were a lot of people, I was surprised. I come very often, but today it was crazy, just a lot of families together."

If you have one more day to enjoy your time away and aren't returning home until Tuesday, Sept. 3, experts with AAA say expressways will be most congested between 8 a.m. and noon.

If you can, they suggest waiting until after 1 p.m. to hit the road.