4th of July travelers to hit Chicago roads Wednesday

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Millions of people took to the road and to the sky Wednesday, heading out for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

For the first time, AAA looked at the entire Fourth of July week plus the Saturday before and the Sunday after the holiday and they project 70.9 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the entire week.

AAA expects more than 60 million are driving as they say more Americans are taking extended trips. The organization said the best time to hit the road is Wednesday before noon. The worst time is between 2-7 p.m.

But there is some good news when it comes to gas prices.

Gas Buddy says the national average is $3.49 per-gallon, the lowest price since 2021.

However at one gas station in the South Loop, it's a whopping $4.69 a gallon.

"Usually, I stay close cause I know gas prices have been going up and for so much that it goes down after all the holidays and stuff is over so it's like so much money just to spend on traveling," motorist Stephanie Jones said.

Millions are also taking to the skies. Chicago's airports are poised to welcome 1.75 million passengers over the long independence day weekend.

Aminah Neal arrived in Chicago from the West Coast on a United flight this morning and said her experience was a breeze.

"We thought traveling last night and traveling the red eye that it would be pretty busy because it's only a day and a half away from the fourth it we got really lucky so can't complain so it was nice," Aminah Neal said.

If you're driving, here in Chicago, you will want to hit the road as early as possible. Triple A said the peak traffic period will be at 2:45 p.m.

Between the congestion, the gas prices, and the overall mayhem of holiday weekend travel, some Chicagoans are opting to stick close to home.

"Me and the wife gonna be right at home on the grill cooking and relaxing," said Stan Jones.

"I'm hanging out in the city of Chicago just having a good time and I want everyone to have a peaceful weekend and we're gonna enjoy this holiday," said Willie Griggs.