Saturday, May 24, 2025
As Memorial Day weekend 2025 approaches, the United States is witnessing an unprecedented surge in travel, with the American Automobile Association (AAA) projecting over 45.1 million Americans will journey at least 50 miles from home between Thursday, May 22, and Monday, May 26. This figure surpasses the previous record set in 2005 and underscores the nation’s eagerness to embrace the unofficial start of summer.
Minnesota’s Memorial Day Travel Surge
In Minnesota, the holiday weekend is synonymous with trips to lakes, cabins, and parks. Jeff Mace’s family, for instance, made their first trip to Grand Marais in over a decade, emphasizing the importance of family time and nature retreats. AAA representatives note that nearly 90% of travelers will drive, taking advantage of lower gas prices compared to the previous year. However, other travel-related costs have risen, yet this hasn’t deterred Minnesotans from prioritizing their holiday getaways.
Nationwide Travel Trends and Challenges
This Memorial Day weekend, several regions across the United States are expected to face significant traffic congestion as over 45 million Americans hit the road. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) and state transportation agencies, urban centers and popular vacation routes will see the worst delays.
In Minnesota, roads leading to northern destinations like Grand Marais, Duluth, and the Brainerd Lakes area are expected to be jammed, especially along I-35 and Highway 61. AAA projects peak congestion Monday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with advice to depart before 2 p.m.
California will see heavy traffic in and around San Francisco, particularly on Interstate 80, Highway 101, and Interstate 580, worsened by the BottleRock Napa Valley music festival.
In Texas, traffic will be thick on Interstate 45 from Houston to Galveston and on I-35 toward the Hill Country. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) warns of significant backups.
Colorado expects congestion on highways into Boulder for the Bolder Boulder race, while Utah travelers will face delays on I-15 and U.S. Highway 6 due to high recreational traffic.
Northeastern states are contending with flooding and road closures from a rare May nor’easter, especially in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, adding another layer of travel disruption.
Across the country, major metropolitan areas are bracing for significant traffic congestion. In Texas, particularly around Houston, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) anticipates peak congestion on Interstate 45 on Friday, with continued heavy traffic through Saturday. Travelers are advised to use DriveTexas.org for real-time road information. Houston Chronicle
California’s Bay Area is also expected to experience severe traffic, especially on Interstate 80 through Napa due to the BottleRock music festival, and on traditional routes like Highway 101 and Interstate 580. Traffic is projected to peak Thursday at 7:15 p.m., with continued congestion into Friday evening. San Francisco Chronicle
In Colorado, the 45th annual Bolder Boulder race in Boulder is set to attract over 50,000 participants, leading to road closures and increased traffic. 30th Street between Arapahoe Avenue and Pearl Street will be closed starting at 3 a.m. on Monday. Axios
Utah’s Department of Transportation warns of significant delays on I-15 and U.S. Highway 6, with up to 30-minute delays expected on Friday and up to 55-minute delays on Monday. Deseret News
Air Travel and TSA Preparations
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for a busy Memorial Day weekend, expecting to screen about 18 million passengers and crew from May 22 to May 28. Travelers are reminded to have acceptable forms of identification, such as a REAL ID, for a smooth screening experience. ABC News+3TSA+3Star Tribune+3
Weather-Related Disruptions
An uncommon May nor’easter struck New England just before Memorial Day weekend, bringing heavy rain, snowfall in higher elevations, and record-low high temperatures. Massachusetts and Rhode Island experienced significant rainfall, with Kingston, MA receiving over 7 inches in 24 hours. The storm caused localized flooding, stranded vehicles, and downed trees, leading to travel disruptions, including the suspension of ferry service in Lynn, MA due to rough seas. AP News+1AP News+1
Travel Tips for Memorial Day Weekend
- Plan Ahead: Check real-time traffic updates and weather forecasts before embarking on your journey.
- Avoid Peak Hours: To minimize delays, consider traveling during off-peak hours.
- Stay Informed: Utilize resources like DriveTexas.org and local transportation websites for the latest information.Houston Chronicle
- Prepare for Weather: Pack accordingly and be ready for sudden weather changes, especially in regions affected by the nor’easter.
Conclusion
Memorial Day weekend 2025 is set to be one of the busiest travel periods in recent history. While the enthusiasm for travel is evident, it’s crucial for travelers to remain vigilant and prepared for potential challenges, including weather disruptions and infrastructure-related delays.
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