UPDATED: Beat Michigan 4th of July Traffic! The Best Times to Avoid Jams

UPDATE June 30, 2023: The state of Michigan has suspended construction work for the long holiday weekend according to Michigan.gov:

• MDOT is suspending work and lifting traffic restrictions wherever possible this holiday weekend (99 out of 175 projects) to ease congestion and increase safety.
• AAA Michigan estimates more than 1.7 million Michigan residents are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the Independence Day holiday weekend, a new record. 
• Although some equipment and traffic configurations will remain over the weekend, suspending construction operations improves safety for workers and motorists. 
• Drivers are reminded new hands-free driving laws take effect June 30.30

Nothing puts a damper on a fun weekend like kicking it off with bumper-to-bumper traffic. There's nothing like the smell of exhaust and the panicky feeling you get in the pit of your stomach every time the semi behind you looks like it's about ready to crawl into your hatchback. AAA Michigan predicts record travel for the holiday and slower-than-average travel times.

Michigan 4th of July Travel and Traffic Predictions

Here are some of the highlights from AAA of Michigan's travel forecast:

• AAA predicts more than 1.7 million Michigan residents will travel at least 50 miles or more between Friday, June 30th, and July 4th, 2023.
  • 1,599,822 via auto
  • 71,272 via air
  • 109,121 via other
    • Bus, cruise or train
• 76,000 more Michigan travelers predicted over 2022
• Nationally there will be an estimated 50.7 million people on the roads
• The US will see 2.1 million more travelers this year as compared to last
• 85% of US travelers will take a road trip this 4th of July
• The average travel times are estimated to be 30% longer

What Are the Best / Worst Times to Travel During Independence Day Weekend?

According to AAA Michigan, the best times for departure are early in the morning or after 6pm.

• Thursday, June 29th
  • Best Travel Time: before 12 pm
  • Worst Travel Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• Friday, June 30th
  • Best Travel Time: before 10:00 am, after 6:00 pm
  • Worst Travel Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Saturday, July 1st
  • Best Travel Time: before 12:00 pm
  • Worst Travel Time: 1:00 pm
• Sunday, July 2nd
  • Minimal traffic
• Monday, July 3rd
  • Minimal traffic
• Tuesday, July 4th
  • Best Travel Time: before 11:00 am, after 6:00 pm
  • Worst Travel Time: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
• Wednesday, July 5th
  • Best Travel Time: before 2:00 pm
  • Worst Travel Time: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Be safe Michigan and keep an eye out for each other this 4th of July Holiday Weekend.