BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — Memorial Day weekend traffic is already causing major slowdowns and dangerous driving conditions across East Idaho as thousands of travelers head out for the holiday weekend.
Multiple Accidents Stall Traffic Along I-15 Northbound
RVs, trailers, and campers packed Interstate 15 on Thursday as drivers made their way toward campgrounds, mountains, and holiday destinations across the region.
According to the Idaho State Police, the trailer of a semitruck overturned along Interstate 15 around 1:11 p.m. Thursday.
There was another crash involving two vehicles near the I-15 Blackfoot rest area. The two vehicles came to a stop in the median, backing up traffic for miles and causing major delays through the area.
Troopers are reminding drivers to slow down, stay alert, and prepare for increased congestion throughout the holiday weekend.
AAA: High Pump Prices Don’t Deter Travelers
The busy travel weekend is also expected to come with higher costs at the pump.
Gas prices in Idaho are hovering around $4.70 per gallon heading into Memorial Day weekend. Despite the higher fuel prices, AAA says travel demand remains strong, with nearly 268,000 Idahoans expected to travel during the holiday weekend.
Fortunately, AAA Idaho spokesman Matthew Conde says gas prices in the Gem State won’t hit your wallet nearly as much as in other destinations.
“We’re not in the top ten for the most expensive. California is sitting at $6.15 a gallon today,” says Conde. “So good news, bad news. But the interesting thing, I think we did some research and we found that hotel prices, car rental prices this time around, are actually a little cheaper than they were last year. And so you have to keep in mind that a lot of folks were making those purchases, making those reservations well before all this conflict happened. And so, right now, we would say that the Memorial Day trips are pretty much locked in.”
