TDOT Suspends All Lane Closure Activity for Busy Holiday Weekend; Urges Safety in Work Zones
NASHVILLE, TN – Road construction won’t slow motorists down as they travel Tennessee’s highways this Memorial Day weekend. The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at 12:00 noon on Friday, May 28th through 6:00 am on Tuesday, June 1st. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists expected to travel in the state this Memorial Day weekend.
“Motorists traveling on our roadways this holiday weekend will have no construction-related lane closures impeding their travels,” said Commissioner Nicely. “We want to keep traffic flowing so everyone can have a safe and enjoyable trip through Tennessee.”
Motorists will still encounter some long term lane closures on construction projects and for emergency repairs due to recent flooding and rockslides in the state. Reduced speed limits will be in effect. 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 up to $500.00, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.
“Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer and we want everyone to arrive at their destination safely,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. “If you’re traveling this Memorial Day weekend, be sure to buckle up and obey all the traffic laws.”
AAA estimates 32.1 million people will travel more than 50 miles this Memorial Day holiday, reflecting a nationwide increase of 5.4% from 30.5 million in 2009. Of this number, AAA predicts that 28 million Americans will travel by car. In Tennessee, AAA projects 617,329 will travel by automobile and 37,601 by air, which is a 5.4% increase over Tennessee’s 2009 travel numbers.
For up to date travel information, visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/ or call 5-1-1 from any land-line or cell phone. TDOT is also on Twitter. For statewide travel information follow @TN511 (www.twitter.com/TN511). TDOT has multiple Twitter accounts including interstate specific accounts.
Motorists are reminded to use all motorist information tools responsibly. Drivers should refrain from texting, tweeting or using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle. TDOT advises drivers to “Know before you go!” by checking traffic conditions before leaving for your destination.
