To ease Thanksgiving traffic congestion statewide, the
Georgia Department of Transportation is suspending construction-related lane
closures on interstate highways, heavily- traveled state routes from 6 a.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 21 to 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 26.
Similar restrictions will be in place for
Christmas and New Year’s.
“Travel is expected to be at an all-time high
this year as people visit friends and family for the Thanksgiving holiday and
shop on Black Friday,” said Georgia DOT State Construction Engineer John D.
Hancock. “In order to provide work-zone free travel, we are limiting
construction and associated lane closures.”
The department reminds travelers to exercise
caution as crews may still work in proximity to highways and safety concerns
may require some long-term lane closures to remain in place. Also, incident
management or emergency, maintenance-related lane closures could become
necessary at any time on any interstate or state route.
“We typically see an increase in roadway
fatalities during heavy travel holidays,” Hancock said. “I urge drivers to slow
down and drive alert. Drivers should adhere to the new hands-free cell phone
law that went into effect earlier this year and ensure that everyone in their
vehicle is wearing a seatbelt. Let’s make this a happy Thanksgiving for all.”
Georgia DOT restricts lane closures for 5-day Thanksgiving holiday