By URIAH KISER
Falling gas prices mean more will travel this Memorial Day Weekend. But annual incomes may determine how far families go.
The number of travelers from the Washington area is expected to increase two percent over last year to 875,000 – the majority of them traveling by car, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.
Many travelers from the Washington area have median household incomes of $100,000 or more, and will travel farther. But travel among families in the $50 to $100,000 income bracket is expected to slip this year, though recent falling gas prices may prompt many to reconsider their plans for the holiday, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic’s forecast.
The number of air travelers is expected is also expected to slip this year by 5.6 percent, according to the forecast.
Gas prices
The price of automobile fuel has fallen in recent weeks just in time for holiday weekend travel. According to gasbuddy.com, the average price for gas in Stafford is $3.65 a gallon, and $3.61 a gallon in Woodbridge.
At the beach, gas in Ocean City, Md. averages $3.54 per gallon, according to gasbuddy.com, and $3.55 per gallon in Virginia Beach, according to AAA Fuel Price Finder. At Kitty Hawk on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, the average price for a gallon of gas is $3.61, according to AAA.
Gas prices peaked nationally at $3.94 per gallon at Easter, and in some places rose to $4 per gallon, has fallen by at least 25 cents per gallon in recent weeks.
Police
If you’re on the road this weekend, you should know they’ll be more police officers on the highways checking to make sure you’re wearing your seatbelt. Virginia State Police will post additional troopers on highways Friday through Monday as part of the “Click it or Ticket” campaign. Last year, troopers in Virginia issued more than 1,600 summonses for adults who failed to wear seatbelts, and nearly 500 citations for improper uses of child restraint systems, said Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller.
Roads
Most bound for the Maryland’s Eastern Shore will use U.S. 50 and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to get there. Maryland transportation officials said the best times to cross the bridge are Thursday and Friday before 10 a.m., Saturday before 7 a.m., after 5 p.m. Sunday, and before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m. Monday.
Those headed to Virginia Beach or North Carolina will see new signs that are posted along the trip that show drivers the estimated times, and best routes to take, to reach the Virginia Beach oceanfront or the Outer Banks as part of the “Reach the Beach” program.
The signs come as Virginia revamped its 511 real-time traffic website, which offers information on road conditions and live video from traffic cameras posted along highways across the state.
All roadwork in the state will be suspended from noon Friday until Tuesday to better accommodate travelers.Â
In the Potomac Communities, Interstate 95 usually jams early with many drivers headed south. This can cause bailout routes like U.S. 1 through Prince William and Stafford counties to become slow.
Local road conditions
HOV restrictions on Interstate 66 and Interstate 95/395 will be lifted on Monday, May 28. The I-95/395 reversible HOV lanes will run south from 1 p.m., Friday until 2 p.m. Saturday, and northbound from 4 p.m. Saturday through the rest of the holiday weekend.
There will be a closure for the Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally, as the I-95/395 HOV lanes will close to regular traffic from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sunday. The Virginia Department of Transportation has developed a website dedicated to Northern Virginia road information.Â
Recent Stories
If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, look no further than Aria Mia, a sweet little kitten currently up for adoption at Prince William County Animal Services. This brave little one arrived as a stray with injuries to both of her eyes. Aria Mia has already undergone surgery on one eye and will need follow-up treatment for the other. Despite her challenges, she’s shown incredible resilience and is ready to start a new chapter with a loving family.
Aria Mia has already proven that she’s not just a cat lover but a dog lover too! During her recovery at Caring Hands Veterinary Clinic, she showed how well she gets along with dogs. So, if you’re looking for a kitten who can coexist with your furry canine companions, Aria Mia might just be the perfect fit for you.
Come meet Aria Mia today and see for yourself what a sweet, loving companion she can be. She’s eager to find her forever home and start the next phase of her life in a caring and compassionate environment.
Deuntay Diggs, Chair of Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors, indicated Tuesday evening that he is prepared to take legal action should some of his colleagues continue to ask for an amendment to the Code of Performance that “adversely affects my career, my calling,” reports the FXBG Advance.Â
A report from the Federal Railroad Administration requested by Fredericksburg City Council and Mayor Kerry Devine on this past summer’s freight car derailment blames human error for the mishap, reports the FXBG Advance.Â
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is progressing toward finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Department of Economic Development.
The draft MOU aims to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both entities in promoting economic growth and business attraction within the county. However, concerns raised by some Board members suggest that the document may need further refinement before it can be adopted.
During a work session on January 28, 2025, Liz Barber, the county’s Director of Economic Development, presented the draft MOU, highlighting the extensive process that led to its creation. The document was developed over the past year, with input from both county administration and EDA members. Its goal is to establish clear guidelines and expectations for the EDA and the Department of Economic Development, particularly regarding the administrative processes, division of duties, and collaboration between the two bodies.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
