An estimated 8 million motorists in Illinois are expected to take a trip through the tollway during Memorial Day weekend, the agency Illinois Tollway announced.

Illinois Tollway estimated that 8 million vehicles will pass through the state tollway system between Friday and next Tuesday, a nearly 4% increase from last year.

The busiest travel day is expected to be Friday, when 1.9 million vehicles are expected to be on the tollway, according to the agency. That’s compared to the 1.6 million vehicles the agency typically sees in a day.

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“Our road crews will be out in force during the holiday weekend to provide prompt help to drivers whose vehicles become disabled on our system,” Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse said in a statement.

The agency is asking drivers to follow posted speed limits, especially in work zones.

Most temporary maintenance and construction lane closures on the Illinois Tollway will be suspended from noon Friday through 9 a.m. next Tuesday to accommodate holiday travel, according to the agency.

The auto club AAA predicts 2.1 million Illinoisans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day period. The organization defines the period from Thursday to Monday, and includes travelers by car, plane or other modes of transportation in its estimate.

This year’s travel estimate is an increase of 50,000 travelers in Illinois compared to last year, according to AAA. Nationwide, the auto club estimates a record 45.1 million are expected to travel for Memorial Day weekend.

"Despite economic uncertainty and global challenges, travel remains a priority for Americans, with millions eager to make memories with a Memorial Day getaway,” AAA Vice President of Travel Debbie Haas said in a statement.

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