LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Hot and crowded conditions are expected on Michigan’s roads for the Fourth of July holiday.

AAA says a record 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the Independence Day travel period, up slightly from last year’s record. Of that number, more than 2.6 million Michiganders are expected to hit the road, heading up north or to other destinations across the state.

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There will be some relief for drivers. Beginning Thursday afternoon, traffic restrictions will be lifted on nearly 60% of Michigan’s road and bridge projects to help ease holiday congestion.

Starting at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 2, and continuing until 6 a.m. Monday, July 6, lane restrictions will be removed at 106 of MDOT’s 179 active road projects statewide. While motorists will see suspended operations in most state work zones over the holiday weekend, MDOT warns that equipment and certain traffic configurations, such as temporary lane shifts and shoulder closures, may remain in place.

“Michigan is a beautiful place to live, work, and most importantly, travel,” said State Transportation Director Bradley Wieferich. “We want you to get out and enjoy everything this state has to offer, but we need every driver to understand the responsibility they have behind the wheel—not just for themselves, but for everyone traveling our roadways.”

MDOT oversees interstate, M, and U.S. routes and is responsible for nearly 10,000 miles of state highways. A list of work zones that will remain active or have lane restrictions during the Fourth of July weekend is available on the MDOT website.