Here are the best and worst times to leave Phoenix for your Labor Day weekend road trip

Michael Salerno, Arizona Republic
·4 min read
3

If you're driving on Labor Day weekend in Arizona, make sure you plan for roadways congested with everyone else who planned road trips for Labor Day weekend.

Drivers must contend with a big rush of travelers looking to squeeze in one last summer getaway.

Whether it's a trip that has been in the works for months or a last-minute getaway, Labor Day road trippers are advised to make a plan for getting ahead of traffic and ensuring their travel is as smooth as possible.

Here's what to know if you're driving for Labor Day weekend, from the best and worst times to drive to what you can expect to pay for gas in metro Phoenix and around Arizona.

When is the worst time to leave for a Labor Day road trip?

The heaviest traffic in Arizona is expected late Friday and Monday afternoons, with the heaviest travel expected between 2 and 7 p.m., said Doug Nintzel, spokesman for the Arizona Department of Transportation.

"It's a good idea to try to get on the road before noon if possible," he said.

Staying home? Best Labor Day weekend 2023 staycation deals at Phoenix-area hotels, resorts

When is the best time to leave for a Labor Day road trip?

Saturday morning tends to be slightly less busy as many drivers will likely use Friday to get to their destination, Nintzel said.

Lighter traffic conditions are expected on Saturday and Sunday before people start their return journeys on Monday, he said.

But there are no guarantees that traffic will be light because even a minor incident can create backups on highways, Nintzel said.

What Arizona highways will be closed for Labor Day weekend?

No state highway construction closures are scheduled from Sept. 1-5, Nintzel said.

However, drivers should prepare for lane restrictions in work zones, such as on Interstate 17 between Flagstaff and the scenic overlook about 30 miles south of the city, he said. The highway is narrowed to one lane in some parts of this stretch.

"ADOT recommends allowing extra time, primarily during peak travel periods on Friday (Sept. 1) and Monday (Sept. 4), if you'll be using southbound I-17 heading out of Flagstaff," Nintzel said. "That extra 30 minutes can help limit frustration if traffic is slow in that area."

Motorists should expect busier than normal traffic on State Route 87 to Payson, SR 260 to the Mogollon Rim and White Mountains, and U.S. 93 between Phoenix and Las Vegas during the holiday weekend, he said.

What are gas prices in Arizona?

Despite declining oil prices, gas prices remain high nationwide and in Arizona.

As of Thursday, Aug. 24, the average price per gallon for regular unleaded gas was $4.25 in Arizona, up from $3.75 a month ago and $4.02 the same day in 2022, according to AAA. Prices per gallon were 42 cents above the national average of $3.83.

Prices per gallon averaged $4.48 in Maricopa County.

Extreme heat and hurricanes are driving the high gas prices because weather conditions can disrupt production at refineries, AAA spokesman Andrew Gross said in a gas price forecast.

"While fewer drivers are fueling up at the moment, these looming weather concerns are a roadblock to falling pump prices," he said. "Gas prices may keep waffling until mid-September or longer."

Demand for gasoline is increasing in the leadup to Labor Day weekend as well, according to AAA. It cited Energy Information Administration figures that found demand increased to 8.9 million barrels per day, up from 8.8 million barrels per day a week ago.

Arizona has the No. 8 most expensive gas prices in the nation, according to AAA. The most expensive gas is in California and Washington state, where both states' averages are above $5 per gallon.

Driving tips for Labor Day weekend road trippers

Here are Labor Day weekend driving trips for Arizona motorists, according to Nintzel.

  • Allow extra travel time in case of crashes, disabled vehicles or wildfires. You can stay up to date on incidents across Arizona through the state's traveler information system at az511.gov or by calling 511.

  • Be prepared for monsoon weather and dust storms and stay up to date on the latest weather forecasts. Slow down and pull over if visibility is poor visibility affects travel.

  • Check your car's tire pressure, engine fluid levels and windshield wipers before your trip.

  • Assemble an emergency kit with items that can come in handy if you need to stop along the highway. Pack a blanket and towels, a flashlight with extra batteries, an umbrella that can be used in sun and rain, and a small tool kit. Nintzel also suggests packing a cooler with water and snacks.

  • Drive carefully and avoid speeding, unsafe passing and tailgating. Never drive while impaired.

We don't get it: A ranking of U.S. weekend road trips includes these 2 Arizona routes. Why?

Reach the reporter at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Labor Day weekend 2023: What Arizona drivers need to know