Millions flock to beaches, boardwalks for 4th of July weekend

ROCKAWAY BEACH -- The Fourth of July holiday weekend is upon us, with millions set to his the roads and skies in anticipation of fireworks and fun.

AAA predicts nearly 43 million Americans will travel this Independence Day, which would make it the highest July 4th travel volume on record. And one of the top destinations in our area is, of course, the beach.

Many got an early start hoping Mother Nature would cooperate, though the threat of storms kept some away from the Jersey Shore Friday. But still, the die-hards ventured out anyway with no regrets.

And those who prefer the Rockaways are in for a treat, since all 5.5 miles of boardwalk will be open just in time for the weekend and for the first time since Superstorm Sandy.

Amy Freeze has the story.

Construction started on the new boardwalk more than two years ago, and starting Saturday, beachgoers will be able to enjoy the full span of boardwalk from Beach 9th Street to Beach 126th Street.

It has been designed to protect the shoreline from future storms, but the work isn't completed yet.

The last section of boardwalk will get its final repairs this fall.