Labor Day weekend expected to bring more travelers to Missouri roads

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An influx of drivers is expected to hit Missouri highways for Labor Day weekend.

AAA released a recent report detailing gas prices ahead of holiday travel. On this report the average statewide gas price in Missouri is $3.04, which is $0.46 less per gallon compared to this time last year.

Drivers in Jefferson City are paying the most on average at $3.24, while drivers in Joplin are paying the least at $2.89 per gallon. The national gas proce is currently $3.36 per gallon.

Construction may impact Labor Day weekend travel for drives and there are several projects throughout Mid-Missouri and the state.

The Missouri Department of Transportation's Improve I-70 Project that runs from Columbia to Kingdom City will not have crews over the holiday weekend, but it is important to note the work zone. In an email, the director of the Improve I-70 Project Erick Kopinski says with heavier traffic volumes across the state for the weekend MoDoT tries to limit impacts due to construction. Two lanes each direction on I-70 will be open during this holiday weekend.

On U.S. Route 54 in Jefferson City, a third eastbound lane north of the Missouri River is now open for travelers. Thursday overnight crews restriped the Missouri River bridge from West Main Street to U.S. Route 63.

There are still multiple construction areas on Route 54, both north and south of the Missouri River.