The number of people planning trips for the Labor Day weekend is up this year, although growth in Wisconsin and surrounding states is below the national average.
According to a survey from AAA, an estimated 33 million people are expected to travel for the upcoming holiday. It’s about a three percent increase over 2011. On Wisconsin roads, about 711,000 people have travel plans, up about two percent from last year.
Pam Moen of AAA-Wisconsin says the Badger State and its neighbors are seeing a lower boost in travel because gas prices in the region have been higher than most of the country over the past month. The price of a gallon of regular unleaded fuel has floated at about $0.15 above the national average, largely due to supply problems caused by a broken pipeline and refinery maintenance issues.
Prices have been on the way back down though, which Moen says could lead to some last minute travel plans.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (:58)