Despite facing some of the highest fuel prices in four years, motorists are still expected to hit the roads in near-record numbers during the long Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA.
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People pump gas at the Weigel's on Volunteer Parkway in
Bristol, Tennessee before Memorial Day weekend.
Emily Ball / EMILY BALL,
BRISTOL HERALD COURIER
AAA forecasts an estimated 45 million Americans will travel 50 or more miles from home during the five-day period, which begins Thursday and concludes Monday night. Of that total, 39 million are expected to hit the highways where they can expect much higher prices at the pump than in 2025.
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AAA expecting a large number vehicles traveling over the
Memorial Day weekend despite the price fuel prices.
Emily Ball / EMILY BALL,
BRISTOL HERALD COURIER
“Memorial Day travel is still reaching record levels, but with the smallest year-over-year increase in more than a decade,” Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group, said in a written statement. “Although travel demand remains strong, higher fuel prices and persistent inflation may cause some travelers to shorten trips, delay plans or stay closer to home.”
The national average for regular unleaded gas was $4.55 on Wednesday, 51 cents higher than one month ago and $1.38 more than during last year’s Memorial Day travel period – the unofficial kickoff of the summer travel season.
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People use the gas pumps at Sam's Club in Bristol, Virginia
where the price of fuel sits at $3.94 on Wednesday morning.
Emily Ball / EMILY BALL,
BRISTOL HERALD COURIER
Impacts from the Iran conflict and ripple effects across the petroleum industry have driven crude oil prices up and pushed gas prices to four-year highs, according to AAA.
Virginia’s statewide average price was $4.30 on Wednesday while the Tennessee average price was $4.21. One year ago, those averages were $2.98 and $2.75, respectively.
“Higher gas prices are adding pressure to holiday travel budgets, but many Virginians are still determined to make the most of the long weekend,” said Morgan Dean, AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson.
The average price Wednesday in Virginia’s border areas of Bristol, Scott and Washington counties was $4.29 per gallon. Across Southwest Virginia average prices ranged from $4.11 in Buchanan County to $4.37 in Scott and Tazewell counties, AAA reported.
In Tennessee, the average in the Bristol-Kingsport markets was $4.16 Wednesday, compared to $4.11 in Johnson City, according to AAA.
The average U.S. price of diesel is $5.65 per gallon - about $2 higher than one year ago - while the state averages are $5.54 in Virginia and $5.19 in Tennessee.
Locally, diesel was tracking about $5.14 in Bristol and Kingsport Tennessee and around $5.41 on the Virginia side.
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says Memorial Day weekend drivers should expect the heaviest congestion on Thursday and Friday afternoons, between 3 p.m., and 6 p.m., and Monday afternoon. Sunday should be the lightest day for traffic, barring any unexpected events on the road.
In Virginia and Tennessee
About 1.07 million Virginia residents are expected to drive to their destinations and vehicle travel is predicted to be be only slightly less than last year but greater than pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
AAA reminds drivers to always ‘Slow Down and Move Over’ for tow trucks, police, fire, EMS and other first responders. Virginia’s ‘Move Over’ law requires drivers to also slow down, and, if possible, move over for any stationary vehicle displaying hazard lights, flares or emergency signs.
“Creating that extra buffer of space can be lifesaving for someone pulled over on the shoulder to change a tire, address a mechanical concern, or wait for assistance,” Dean said.
The Virginia Department of Transportation will suspend many highway work zones and lift temporary lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon on Friday, May 22 until noon on Tuesday, May 26.
AAA predicts 950,000 Tennesseans will travel for Memorial Day, with the majority of travelers, 795,000, expected to drive to their destinations.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation also announced plans to suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes from noon on Friday, May 22, through 6 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, to provide maximum roadway capacity, according to a statement.
Motorists may still encounter lane closures or restrictions while traveling through long-term construction projects. In addition, drivers should know that reduced speed limits will be in effect in work zones.
Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of up to $500, plus court fees, and possibly increased insurance premiums.
Helpful reminders
Before you hit the road, AAA reminds drivers to make sure they have a fully stocked summer emergency kit on hand. AAA summer emergency kit suggestions:
Fully charged cell phone and car charger
First-aid kit
Basic tool kit
Blanket
Rain jacket or poncho
Flashlight with extra fresh batteries
Rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes
Emergency warning devices such as road flares or reflectors
Jumper cables or a jump box
Drinking water/snacks for everyone in the car, including pets
VDOT’s free mobile 511 app offers information about construction, traffic, incidents and congestion as well as access to traffic cameras, weather, electric vehicle charging stations and more. By calling 511 from any phone in Virginia, use 511’s “speak ahead” option for hands-free and eyes-free audible traffic alerts for incidents and construction along your route. Traffic information is also available at 511.vdot.virginia.gov.
For traveling in Tennessee, motorists can get the latest construction activity from your computer or mobile device and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also call 511 for travel information.
Average Gas prices May 20, 2026
| | U.S. | Virginia | Tenn. |
Current | $4.55 | $4.30 | $4.21 |
Last Week | $4.51 | $4.27 | $4.13 |
Last Month | $4.04 | $3.90 | $3.77 |
Last Year | $3.17 | $2.98 | $2.75 |
Source: AAA
