Friday marks busiest day of Labor Day weekend travel

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Holiday travel is in full swing - and those driving this Labor Day weekend will enjoy the cheapest gas prices in more than a decade.

"I'm heading to southwest Michigan for the holiday and it's nice to be able to get some reasonable gas prices for the weekend," driver Mike Bush said.

As of Friday afternoon, the average price for a gallon of gas in the Chicago area is $2.92. One year ago, it was $3.70 a gallon.

"It was just outrageous to fill my tank, $75. It's twice as it was now. I like it a lot better now," said driver Tom Porzelt.

Prices have fallen sharply in recent days and analysts with GasBuddy.com expect them to keep dropping after BP Refinery in Whiting, Ind., was repaired in late August, leading to an increase in gas supplies.

"People have been happy, gas is going down," said gas attendant Elizabeth Jackson.

"We are not traveling too far, but we're towing a trailer, so when gas is less expensive, it makes it a little more affordable," said Korina Tweed.

Over the entire weekend, more than 1.2 million travelers are expected at both airports - a four percent jump over last year.

For those in the military, the main USO office in O'Hare's Terminal 2 will be open 24 hours a day over the holiday weekend for all traveling personnel. And both airports will be giving out patriotic pins with any store purchase on Monday.

For the 7.4 million drivers hitting the road in Illinois, all construction on Illinois roads will be suspended throughout the weekend, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Travelers on the road will be met with more than officers from 250 law enforcement agencies who will be involved in the statewide "Driver Sober, or Get Pulled Over" campaign.

Officials said 15 people were killed in traffic accidents during the 2014 holiday weekend. They want to deter impaired driving, prevent fatalities and increase safety belt use.