Jul 4, 2009 2:48 pm US/Eastern
Travelers Pack The Roads For The Holiday Weekend
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
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Bumper to bumper traffic as drivers head to the shore for the holiday.
CBS
With pleasant weather expected and celebrations all around the region, hundreds of thousands are expected to hit the road this holiday weekend.
AAA predicts nearly 350,000 Philadelphia-area residents will travel 50 miles or more for the Fourth of July weekend.
Many drivers got a jump on the three-day weekend, packing the Atlantic City Expressway while making their way to the Jersey shore.
Despite fears many would stay home due to the current economic climate, visitors packed the boardwalk in Ocean City Thursday evening. The crowds were a welcome sight to shore businesses following a washout in June.
"This is good foot traffic," said Michele Gillian of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce. "The rain set us back a little bit and people have been a little apprehensive about making plans."
Lower gas prices are also expected to be a major influence on holiday plans.
In Philadelphia, the free Sunoco Welcome America celebration is expected to draw thousands to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Crowds are expected to pack the area as Sheryl Crow and The Roots rock the city during a free concert before a spectacular fireworks extravaganza.
For more Fourth of July events around the region, check out
www.cbs3.com/summerphillyfun.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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