x
Breaking News
More () »

Some Troubles for Holiday Travelers

LACKAWANNA COUNTY — It is a busy time on the roadways as folks from near and far travel for Independence Day. Officials with AAA estimate 41 million Ameri...

LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- It is a busy time on the roadways as folks from near and far travel for Independence Day.

Officials with AAA estimate 41 million Americans will hit the highway for holiday celebrations.

"I think people have to travel someway or another. They're going to go the most cost-efficient way if they want to get out of town. They just need to know how to share the road once they get out there," said Marc Warner of New Jersey.

In Lackawanna County, construction zones caused headaches for some drivers on Thursday evening.

"This is probably the worst drive we have had up in several years. It's been very congested, and the weather has not cooperated and the trucks have actually been a little aggressive this year. It's been very frightening, to be honest with you, in some spots," said Lisa Warner of New Jersey.

When the storms hit in the late afternoon and evening, torrential rain made it hard for some travelers to see where they were headed.

"Literally, it was like sheets across the windshield when we were driving just a few minutes before we got here," said Dolores Brandolo of Virginia.

All the challenges made the rest stop off Interstate 81 northbound near the Tompkinsville/Fleetville exit a popular stop.

Boy scouts from Troop 34 in Jessup had refreshments.

"We've seen plenty of people. A lot of people from New York, Canada, Australia, all over the place," said D.J. Shorten of Troop 34.

Drivers said, in addition to the construction areas, the congestion and the weather, they are also disappointed with gas prices.

"I just filled my car before I left for $3. 18 a gallon, and we stopped back in Hazleton and it was $3. 73 a gallon so, you know, that's like 50 cents a gallon more," said Larry Tiezzi of Virginia.

AAA estimates drivers are stuck paying the highest gas prices in six years.

Before You Leave, Check This Out