A record-breaking 46.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home this Independence Day holiday, according to AAA.

That’s an increase of more than five percent compared with last year and the highest number since AAA started tracking 18 years ago.

Global transportation analytics company INRIX predicts that, for the 39.7 million Americans planning a Fourth of July road trip, travel times could double in the most congested cities in the U.S.

“This Independence Day will be one for the record books, as more Americans take to the nation’s roads, skies, rails and waterways than ever before,” said Bill Sutherland, Senior Vice President, AAA Travel and Publishing. “Confident consumers with additional disposable income will look to spend on travel this holiday, building on an already busy summer travel season.”

The Independence Day holiday period is defined as Tuesday, July 3 to Sunday, July 8. Yet, with the Fourth of July falling on a Wednesday, travelers have more flexibility to schedule a trip the weekend before or after the holiday.

Drivers Beware: Terrible Tuesday

INRIX and the AAA predict the worst congestion on the roads in the late afternoon on Tuesday, July 3, as commuters leave work early and mix with holiday travelers. Travel times could double in the major metros across the U.S., with drivers in Los Angeles, New York and Washington D.C. predicted to experience the most significant delays.

“With a record-level number of travelers hitting the road this holiday, drivers must be prepared for delays around major metros,” said Scott Sedlik, General Manager and Vice President – Public Sector, INRIX. “Although travel times are expected to nominally increase throughout the week, Tuesday afternoon will hands down be the worst time to be on the road. Our advice to drivers is to avoid peak commuting hours altogether or consider alternative routes.”

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