No lane closures on Tennessee highways Labor Day weekend

September 4, 2009 |

TDOT Commissioner Announces No Lane Closures during Holiday Travel Period

Nashville – The Tennessee Department of Transportation is once again halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways for the busy Labor Day holiday travel period. While AAA reports travel numbers are expected to be lower than last year, nearly a half million Tennesseans are still expected to travel by car this holiday.

Construction crews will stop all lane closure activity beginning at noon on Friday, September 4 through 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists traveling during the busy Labor Day holiday.

“The Labor Day holiday is one of the busiest travel periods of the year,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “As thousands of people hit the road in Tennessee, we want to ensure they get to their destinations quickly and safely without road construction delays.”

While lane closure activity will be stopped, workers will still be on site in many construction zones. Drivers should obey all posted speed limits, particularly in construction areas. Slower speeds are necessary in work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway and will be enforced. 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.

“During this Labor Day weekend, travelers will notice an increased number of law enforcement personnel on Tennessee’s roadways,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. “Our main goal is for everyone to have a safe holiday, so we want to emphasize the importance of buckling up, obeying traffic laws, paying attention, and, above all, never driving drunk or impaired.”

The summer travel season is expected to close with fewer travelers during the Labor Day weekend than during the same period in 2008. AAA Auto Club South projects 567,000 Tennesseans will travel this Labor Day holiday, with 482,000 traveling by car and 11,000 traveling by air. Nationwide travel is expected to be down 13% compared to 2008. Tennessee, Georgia and Florida are anticipated to experience a 22% decline in travel compared to last year’s numbers.

For up-to-date travel information, motorists are reminded to call 511 from any land line or cellular phone or visit www.TN511.com. Travelers can also get up to the minute roadway information by following us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511. Motorists are reminded that texting while driving is against the law in Tennessee, so please use these motorist information tools responsibly.

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