It's time to fill up the tank and roll out for the Fourth of July weekend.

According to AAA online price tracking, the Pennsylvania average for gas prices of $2.92 per gallon is well above the national average for gas prices, which stands at $2.73 per gallon.

Southwestern Pennsylvania has some of the highest price points for gas in the state, many of which exceed $2.93 per gallon, where the county's gas prices are now.

As residents take to the roads, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation urges caution to drivers as they travel during one of the busiest holidays of the year.

Mike Mattis, PennDOT's Butler County maintenance manager, said drivers should be considerate and aware that high traffic is likely.

“For example, on 422, people try to rush to the merge point,” Mattis said. “Let people in. Don't block people coming in from the opposite lane.”

Mattis said leaving earlier gives drivers more drive time, but also allows them to drive more safely and avoid peak travel times.

Mattis said the afternoon and evening of July 3 is typically busy as is the entire day of July 4. He said some people will save their plans for the weekend, causing high traffic scenarios Sunday night.

“I think you're going to see a lot of extra traffic on the roads,” Mattis said.

Mattis also said everyone can download the free phone application 511 PA to help them navigate construction zones.

“It'll tell you all the closures and any type of detours that might be up,” Mattis said.

Not all residents will be leaving the county for the holiday.

For Moraine State Park, the Fourth of July is one of the busiest days of the year.

“Weather dependent, there will be thousands throughout the park, counting Moraine and McConnells Mill,” said Dustin Drew, park manager.

Drew said the park staff generally pulls away from project work and focuses on keeping things clean and peaceful. He said they have also reviewed protocols for heat-related illnesses in case the hot weather continues over the holiday.

“We focus on keeping the facilities clean and keeping things running,” he said. “Just trying to think of all the things that could happen and review those when we have a chance.”

He said the park won't have many events, but July 4 is Fish for Free Day per the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

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