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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 06, 2011
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Steady Columbus Day Traffic Expected
FORECASTING MODEL SHOWS A SLIGHT 1.7% DECLINE FROM 2010
PORTLAND, Maine – A projected 243,737 vehicles are expected to pass through the York Toll Plaza during the upcoming Columbus Day Weekend, according to the Maine Center for Business & Economic Research at the University of Southern Maine.
Inbound traffic on Friday and Saturday will be down about 2.7%, while Monday outbound traffic will equal last year according to the forecast model. "The predicted drop in traffic is well within the margin of error," said the USM Center's Dr. Charles Colgan. "I would say that traffic will be about the same as last year though maybe a little lower."
"Great weather and peak foliage color in much of the state should make for an enjoyable weekend," said MTA Executive Director Peter Mills. "It's yet another opportunity to showcase Maine."
In recent years, Columbus Day Weekend has become the fastest-growing travel holiday for vehicle traffic according to Turnpike data. The Fourth of July and Labor Day remain the busiest long holiday weekends each year. For traffic alerts, traffic cams or to sign up for email alerts, visit MaineTurnpike.com.