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AAA: Lower Gas Prices To Help Boost Labor Day Travel

STAMFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) - More Americans are expected to hit the road over the upcoming Labor Day holiday compared with any year since the 2008 financial crisis, according to a travel forecast issued by AAA.

One reason for the uptick in travel is a drop in prices at the gas pump.

"Gas prices are down from last year, about 18 cents a gallon," Heather Hunter with AAA told WCBS 880's Paul Murnane.

AAA: Lower Gas Prices To Help Boost Labor Day Travel

A gallon of regular costs $4.09 at the new service center north of Stamford on I-95, Murnane reported Tuesday. In nearby Norwalk, a gallon ranges from $3.80 to $3.90, Murnane reported.

"We are projecting that 34.1 million Americans are going to take a trip this year," Hunter told Murnane. "About 85 percent of those traveling this year will choose the automobile."

According to AAA, 45 million Americans were on the road for the end of summer holiday back in 2008.

"We did ask people how much that they plan to spend this year on their holiday travel and that's up slightly to $804," Hunter told Murnane.

On average, people are planning to travel nearly 600 miles for the unofficial end of summer holiday, AAA said.

Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept 2.

Last week, AAA reported that the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.54.

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