No lane closures on state highways for Thanksgiving holiday

Nov. 23 – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will halt all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state for the Thankving holiday.

All construction related lane closures will be stopped beginning at noon today until 6 a.m. Monday.

"Nearly a million people are expected to use Tennessee roadways to visit family and friends this holiday," said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. "We want to provide maximum capacity, alleviate as much congestion as possible, and help travelers avoid unnecessary delays."

While all lane closure activity will be stopped, workers may be on site in some construction zones. Drivers convicted of speeding in work zones where workers are present face a fine of up to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.

"Drivers can expect to see increased law enforcement on the roads this Thanksgiving holiday," said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. "We want everyone to have a safe holiday so remember to buckle up, drive the speed limit and don’t get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you’ve had anything to drink."

Some long term lane closures will remain in place on some construction projects for motorist’s safety.

AAA predicts holiday travel will increase 4% this Thanksgiving. An estimated 872,000 people are expected to travel by automobile in Tennessee. Across the U.S. 42.5 million are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home this year, with 38.2 million of those choosing to drive to their holiday destination.

For up-to-date travel information, motorists can call 5-1-1 from any land line or cell phone or visit www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway.

Smart phone users can use the TDOT SmartWay Mobile website at http://m.tdot.tn.gov/SmartWay/ to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras, incident information and messages displayed on overhead Dynamic Message Signs. Travelers can also get instant traffic alerts by following TDOT on Twitter.

For a list of available Twitter feeds visit www.tn.gov/tdot/mediaroom/info.htm.