Memorial Day weekend is shaping up to be a smoother ride for Tennesseans this year. According to the Knoxville News, the Tennessee Department of Transportation has announced that there will be no construction-related lane closures on interstates and state highways from Friday, May 24, at noon through Tuesday, May 28, at 6:00 a.m.
"We want to do our part to help everyone have an enjoyable and safe holiday weekend, and keep traffic flowing as smoothly and efficiently as possible," Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley told the publication. He also reminded drivers of the legal requisite to move over and slow down for emergency vehicles, including TDOT HELP trucks that will be patrolling the highways over the weekend. Despite the effort to ease congestion, motorists might still experience some restrictions through areas with ongoing, long-term construction projects, as per Knoxville News.
AAA has forecasted a record-breaking 926,251 Tennesseans will travel this Memorial Day, with a staggering 783,990 hitting the roads in cars. It seems with TDOT's lane closure suspension, the state is gearing up to ensure the influx of holiday travelers can get to their barbecues and ceremonies with fewer headaches and hold-ups.
But it's not free rein on the roads; drivers need to be vigilant as speed limits will still be enforced in work zones. The sting of heavy fines beckons – up to $500, in fact, plus court fees and potentially, hiked insurance premiums for those caught violating these reduced speed zones. TDOT's move is a welcomed relief for many, yet travelers should not forget that safety and responsibility are never on holiday.
