Central Coast highways busy with 4th of July travelers

UPDATE 7/1/2016 10:40 PM: Central Coast highways have been busy as millions of Californians are traveling for the 4th of July holiday weekend.

“We are planning to go to Arroyo Seco, my family and with my parents and spend some time camping there for a couple days,” said Patricia Bonilla, one of the 4 million Californians projected by AAA to hit the road this holiday weekend.

“You can tell that it’s picking up a little bit, every holiday gets pretty busy here,” said Ryan Rudd, night manager at Arco gas station off highway 101 in Prunedale. On Friday night, drivers had to sit in long lines to fill up. Rudd said he expects to stay busy throughout the three-day weekend.

“Last year it was pretty hectic, just mass loads of people. You get cars full of families coming in, a lot of motorcycles because the rally is going on in Hollister so we get a lot of motorcycles, too,” said Rudd.

Experts said more people are traveling this year because of economic growth, increased disposable income and lower gas prices. This week, the state excise tax on gas dropped 2.2 cents.

“Everyone is typically satisfied with our price, we are the cheapest gas station in Prunedale,” said Rudd.

With the 4th of July falling on a Monday, most people will be heading home Tuesday. Bonilla however, plans on getting a head start.

“(We are) Coming back on Monday, just relaxing and maybe go to the rodeo to watch some fireworks over there,” she said.

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The California Highway Patrol said Friday night and Saturday morning will be the busiest times to drive.

KION’s Monica Jacquez will have more on this story at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.