Holiday Travel Forecast: Record-Breaking Traffic Expected on Freeways and Airports

The Automobile Club of Southern California predicts a record number of 9.5 million Southern California residents will travel during the Christmas and New Year's holiday season, a 3% increase from last year. Nationally, 115.2 million people are expected to travel, making it the second-busiest holiday season on record. The busiest stretch of freeway during this period is predicted to be the southbound 5 Freeway between Bakersfield and Los Angeles on the evening of Dec. 27. Travelers are advised to plan their trips before lunchtime or after 7 p.m. to avoid heavy traffic.