Skyrocketing gas prices don’t seem to be slowing Americans’ travel plans heading into Memorial Day weekend — though Maryland may prove an exception.

AAA predicts that more than 855,000 Marylanders will travel over the coming three-day weekend, 5,700 fewer people than at this time last year. The state would be bucking the national trend, with AAA estimating that nearly 45 million Americans will travel for the holiday weekend — a record high.

The travel group said economic uncertainty and the increasing cost of items such as fuel are discouraging local travelers. Oil prices have surged since the start of the Iran war.

As of Tuesday, the cost of gas in Maryland was about $4.46 per gallon, up $1.37 from this time last year, according to AAA.

Advertise with us

“Higher gas prices are adding pressure to holiday travel budgets,” said Ragina Ali, a spokesperson for AAA in Maryland and Washington. “But many Marylanders are still determined to make the most of the long weekend.”

AAA predicts around 751,000 Marylanders will be driving this weekend, down from roughly 756,000 people last year. Air travel is down 2% this year, AAA said, with just over 73,000 Marylanders expected to fly.

It suggests Marylanders taking road trips leave after 9 p.m. Thursday, before 11 a.m. Friday and Saturday and prior to 10 a.m. Monday. Those in Baltimore will also have to deal with road closures in downtown from 3 p.m. Friday to midnight Monday due to Artscape, the city’s crown jewel of festivals.

When should I head out?

The Maryland Department of Transportation says Thursday, Friday and Tuesday will be the most congested days for those traveling by car. On Thursday, motorists are advised to avoid highways from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. in the Baltimore area and from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. in the Washington area.

Here’s where Maryland transportation officials expect traffic to be heaviest on Thursday:

Advertise with us
  • Interstate 695 outer loop between I-83 and US-40
  • Interstate 83 south between Interstate 695 and Cold Spring Lane
  • Northbound and southbound Interstate 895 near the Harbor Tunnel
  • I-695 outer loop between U.S. 40 and Providence Road
  • The Baltimore-Washington Parkway between the Capital Beltway and MD 197
  • The Capital Beltway outer loop between MD 97 and MD 193
  • Interstate 270 southbound spur
  • I-495 outer loop between the American Legion Bridge and the I-270 spur

Road travel is expected to be tough on Friday from 1-5 p.m. in the Baltimore area and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in the D.C. area. Here’s where congestion will be at its worst then:

  • Northbound and southbound I-895 near the Harbor Tunnel
  • Baltimore-Washington Parkway north and south between I-495 and MD 198
  • I-270 south spur
  • I-495 outer loop between the American Legion Bridge and the I-270 spur

For those returning on Tuesday, Maryland officials say to avoid the road if possible from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. in Baltimore and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. around Washington. Here’s where it’ll be most congested on your drive home:

  • The inner and outer loops of I-695, the Baltimore Beltway, between I-97 and US 40
  • Both directions of the Capital Beltway between the American Legion Bridge and the I-270 spur
  • I-270 north between the I-270 spur and Montrose Road
  • I-270 north between MD 124 and Shady Grove Road