The Maine Turnpike Authority is expecting a slight traffic increase of about 1.5% compared to last year’s Labor Day weekend.

The agency says more than 1.12 million transactions are expected between Friday and Monday on the 109-mile highway.

Friday is projected to be the busiest day system-wide, with northbound traffic peaking between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

The heaviest traffic on Saturday is expected between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM in both directions.

The heaviest flow of traffic on Monday is expected to be southbound, occurring between 12:00 noon and 7:00 PM.

The Turnpike Authority is advising that both the Thursday before and the Tuesday after Labor Day have seen increased traffic in recent years as visitors choose to extend their stays longer.

The agency says construction and maintenance activities will be suspended during the holiday weekend. However, drivers are reminded that work zones remain in place with narrowed lanes and reduced speed limits.

The MTA mascot, Miles the Moose, will greet visitors at the Kennebunk northbound service plaza on Friday, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM