Holiday travel causes headaches for many drivers

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Most travelers were expected to begin their return trips home between 1pm and 7pm.

The roads were expected to be just as congested as they were at the start of the holiday weekend.

Friday night the pike was backed up for 45 miles as people made their way west to check out the foliage.

But traffic wasn't the only thing giving drivers a headache.

A stop to fuel up is sure to leave your pockets a bit lighter.

One driver told 22News it's all worth it for a good trip though.

Gary Powers says, “If you want to see the beauty you've got to put the gas in. I hadn't seen family in a while so it's worth it. We had some rain but some beautiful sunshine and the leaves were all pretty. I miss New England something fierce. I'm glad I'm back.”

The state transportation department said the busiest interchanges would be fully staffed for the holiday to prevent extra delays.