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AAA: Millions Expected to Travel for Fourth of July

LACKAWANNA COUNTY — The big holiday rush is on with folks heading out on the highways for the Fourth of July weekend. AAA expects nearly 42 million people...

LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- The big holiday rush is on with folks heading out on the highways for the Fourth of July weekend.

AAA expects nearly 42 million people will travel this weekend with 85 percent of those, or 35 million, expected to drive.

AAA says that's the highest national volume since 2007.

“My favorite holiday!” Peter Barber from New Jersey said.

This rest area near Tompkinsville off Interstate 81 was jammed packed with holiday travelers.

“This is insane, the number of people here and you don't expect a line 14 people deep in the ladies,” said Rhonda Pilgrom from Philadelphia.

Many folks who were on the road for hours recharged on free drinks and snacks being offered at a coffee break station at the rest area.

“It's nice to have it available even if you don't need it and it's really terrific to have people get a little kick, a little caffeine kick on the travel weekend,” said Barber.

“It was just what I needed too after driving for a while, get some coffee, yes, it's nice,” said John Singler from Philadelphia.

At Lackawanna State Park, some campers were just arriving while others were already set to start the celebrations.

“It's just great to get away and have some good times together and relax and unwind,” said Lawry Hayner from Carbondale. “Looking forward to watching fireworks over at Abington so it's going to be a good weekend.”

“We're going to have a cookout here with nieces and nephews coming up,” said Harry Faux from Fleetville. “So they're coming up and we're going to have a cookout and party hardy.”

But still there are many who are opting to stay close to home.

At Schiff's Cash and Carry in Scranton, folks were busy grabbing up everything needed to throw a great cookout.

“We got some steaks. We got some hamburgers, some chicken, and also some beef sausage,” said Anthony Tooson from Scranton.

“Your basic picnic: hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage, their hot sausages are the best and that's about it and some salads,” said Dina Musko.

Just one thing to note if you are planning on going to Lackawanna State Park.

Penn DOT says due to bridge work, drivers cannot get to the state park using Exit 199.

Drivers in both directions of Interstate 81 need to use Exit 201, that's the East Benton exit.

PennDOT says once off the exit, just follow the posted orange detour signs that will take you straight to the park.

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