Highways and airports will be especially busy during this Memorial Day weekend as lower gas prices help fuel the traditional start of the summer travel season.

Spokane International Airport expects a record number of travelers this summer, beginning with an 18% jump this weekend.

And despite concerns about the rising cost of goods and groceries, cheaper gas might also bump road traffic. Nationally, AAA expects 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home this weekend, an increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to last year.

The national average for a gallon of gas Friday is $3.19, according to AAA, 40 cents cheaper than a year ago. In Washington the price is $4.40 and in Idaho it is $3.31. Gas is $3.97 in Spokane County.

Most highway construction is paused through the

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