All sun, no fun at the gas pump this Memorial Day weekend

The statewide gas price average in Texas is now $2.76 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch.

“These prices have had an impact with consumers”, said Dan McTeague, a senior petroleum analyst at GasBuddy. As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination.

The national average, by comparison, reached $2.96 a gallon Wednesday, its highest point since November, 2014, according to GasBuddy, which credited the rise to “a recent rally in oil prices”. A fifth station’s price was 52 cents higher. With a 6.8 percent increase over last year, air travel is the mode of travel that will see the largest growth this year.

“Prices tend to increase as gas stations switch to more expensive summer blend of gasoline”, said AAA Northeast Manager of Media Relations Robert Sinclair Jr. Gas prices generally peak around July Fourth, as summer travelers hit the road in larger numbers. Across the Atlanta metro area, the lowest gas price reported was $2.59 while the average price was $2.87.

“For this summer season, [the aquarium projects] flat attendance”.

If you do plan to hit the road this weekend, pack your patience. “I hope gas isn’t a factor this year”.

Thirty-six million travelers are expected to be on the road.

Thursday and Friday are expected to be sunny and in the low 80s, according to the National Weather Service.

At $59, the average daily cost of a vehicle rental this Memorial Day Weekend is the lowest rate in the past four years and 11% cheaper than last year. Southbound I-75 is closed for major bridge work between Detroit and Taylor, Mich., with traffic detoured to the I-275 beltway in the city’s western suburbs.

East of Toledo, drivers on State Rt.

Tollway lane closures, all weekend: Tri-State traffic is shifted right in both directions at 159th St., I-88 traffic is shifted between I-290 and York Rd., and traffic is reduced to one lane between Route 251 and Bliss Road. 163 is closed for rehabilitation.

“It might, but then again, it’s been a long winter, so I think a lot of people will be coming down on the weekend”, said Feliciano, of Cape May Court House.