Travelers Hit the Road for Labor Day Weekend in Cumberland County, N.C.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) — Thousands of travelers flocked to the highways on Labor Day, navigating one of the most congested corridors in the U.S., Interstate 95. Many families stopped in Cumberland County to escape the heavy traffic and create lasting memories.
I-95 runs through 15 states, linking key cities along the East Coast, making it a favored route for holiday travel. Despite early departures, many encountered significant congestion along the way.
Derrick Vick, traveling from South Carolina with his three sons, shared, “This is probably the first time we’ve traveled for Labor Day weekend in years, and we just wanted to get away.” The family left their home at 10:30 a.m., hoping to avoid traffic, aiming for the beach at Myrtle Beach to unwind before school resumes.
Gas prices reached a record high for Labor Day, averaging $4.14 per gallon nationwide—almost a dollar more than last year. In North Carolina, the average was $3.84, with Cumberland County seeing prices of around $3.77 per gallon.
Timothy Smith, also making the trip from South Carolina, emphasized the importance of creating memories with his family. He reflected on the lasting impact such experiences have on his children.
Traffic and accidents were frequent topics of discussion among travelers. Lane Brooks, a 17-year-old returning to Virginia after a beach trip, noted, “The road’s been something. There’s been traffic… and it’s just been really busy.” Her family had traveled to relax before the school year ramped up.
Despite the high gas prices, the Vicks were not overly concerned about costs. Derrick mentioned he planned to refuel soon but felt fortunate not to have to stop yet.
As families like the Vicks ventured out, many recognized that such trips are rare, making the holiday weekend particularly special.
