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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 06, 2011
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Labor Day Traffic on Maine Turnpike Increases Over Last Year
Weak Economy, High Gas Prices & Late Holiday Fail To Deter Visitors
PORTLAND, Maine – Contrary to predictions, Turnpike traffic at the York Toll Plaza over the Labor Day Weekend actually increased by 5.3%; researchers had forecast a 6% decline compared to last year.
Preliminary figures indicate that 233,100 vehicles passed through the York toll from Friday, September 2 through Monday, September 5. That represents a 5.3% increase in traffic over the 221,450 vehicles logged during the same four-day time frame in 2010.
It appears a number of factors included in researchers’ traffic modeling—such as a weak economic quarter, continued high gas prices, disruptions from Hurricane Irene, and schools already in session—did not deter motorists from visiting Maine over the Labor Day Weekend.
“The Maine Turnpike is often a bellwether for the state’s economy,” said MTA Executive Director Peter Mills. “We’re hopeful the strong vehicle counts the Turnpike posted this weekend translated to increased restaurant, lodging and destination traffic statewide.”