TDOT halts highway construction for busy holiday period

Dec. 22– The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is once again halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways because of higher traffic volumes across the state during the busy Christmas and New Year’s travel holidays.

No temporary lane closures will be allowed for construction on Tennessee roadways beginning at noon on Friday, Dec 23 through 6 a.m. Monday, January 2.

"Nearly two million Tennesseans are expected to hit the roads to visit family and friends during this busy holiday travel period," said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer.

"We want to do everything possible to minimize delays and provide maximum capacity on Tennessee roadways. We also want drivers to obey the rules of the road and arrive safely at their destinations," he said.

Except for a few long-term closures which must remain in place for safety, all construction related closures will be suspended during the holiday period.

Workers may still be on site in some construction zones. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.

"Drivers can expect to see increased law enforcement on the roads throughout the holiday with a particular focus on stopping drivers who are impaired," said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole.

AAA predicts holiday travel will increase nearly 2 percent in Tennessee this year, with more than 1.8 million expected to travel by automobile in the volunteer state between the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Across the U.S. 83.6 million people are expected to drive to their year-end holiday destinations, which represents 30 percent of the total U.S. population.