With an estimated 34.8 million Americans expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA Travel, Cape Girardeau businesses and residents say they are preparing for the rush.

According to the AAA Memorial Day Travel Forecast, the preferred method of travel for most Missourians will be by automobile. For many motorists, that means a trip to the gas station to fill the tank.

At the Mobil gas station on South Sprigg Street, employee Courtney Criddle said they've had a steady flow of customers stopping at their pumps, but they still are waiting for the holiday rush.

"I know it's going to be busy, but there hasn't been that big hit yet," she said. "Once the weekend gets here though, I expect a lot of people will be stopping to buy bags of ice and get gas."

Down the street, employees at Rhodes 101 Stop said they too were expecting to see their biggest rush Friday or Saturday.

Keasha Drury of Cape Girardeau will be among the anticipated rush of holiday travelers. She and her family plan to visit Sam A. Baker State Park, a trip that is a tradition for her family.

"My husband's family goes there every year," she said. "And it also happens to be my daughter's birthday, so we're going up there to celebrate all together."

Jessica Doherty said she already has filled up her tank and also is preparing to make a trip to visit family. She moved to Cape Girardeau from St. Louis last August to attend Southeast Missouri State University and said she is looking forward to spending the long weekend back home.

"I don't really have any special plans exactly, but it'll be nice just to be home," she said.

Doherty said she expects to hit some traffic on the way, but "no more than usual."

Capt. Kenneth Kinder with the Scott County Sheriff's Department said he knows there will be more motorists on the road this weekend, but he's trying to keep the holiday in perspective.

"I understand that people travel more on holidays, and you should be more cautious and be aware at all times," he said. "But to me, every day is an important day. I don't think the emphasis on safety and awareness should just be for holidays; these are things we should think about every day."

Kinder said his department will have extra patrols throughout the weekend to "do their part" to keep travelers safe.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department also will have extra officers on the road. According to department spokesman Darin Hickey, the department plans to step up efforts in traffic enforcement. He encourages drivers to make smart decisions behind the wheel.

"We want to encourage safe traveling," he said. "Wear your seat belts, and just take an extra 10 minutes to slow down and be more cautious when you drive and make sure everyone gets home safe."

srinehart@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

612 S Sprigg St, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

1126 N Sprigg St, Cape Girardeau, Mo.