The holiday travel period is approaching, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation is taking steps to minimize construction-related delays. In a release from TDOT, the agency announced that it will halt all lane closures on interstates and state highways starting at noon on Wednesday, continuing through 6:00 a.m. next Monday, in preparation for an expected increase in road traffic.
America's long-standing tradition of embracing the open road is set to be on full display this Thanksgiving, as Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley emphasized that the holiday is expected to be the busiest for travel, “Thanksgiving is typically the most traveled holiday of the year.” TDOT's decision to pause operations is aimed at reducing potential congestion before the winter holiday travel period. Eley outlined measures to improve traffic flow and highlighted safety initiatives, including the deployment of HELP Truck drivers to assist with incidents on the interstates during the holiday weekend, saying "Watch out for them – move over, slow down. It’s the law," in a statement obtained by TDOT.
As families across the state plan their travels to reunite, the pause on construction helps clear the roads for the holiday rush. AAA has projected that 1.8 million Tennesseans will be taking road trips this Thanksgiving, marking an increase in the number of travelers compared to the previous year.
While the lanes will reopen, construction will still be present in certain areas as progress continues along these routes. The state has indicated that some work zones will remain active, with long-term lane closures in place for safety reasons. TDOT is advising motorists to follow speed limits, especially in these zones. "Drivers convicted of speeding in work zones where workers are present face a fine of up to $500, plus court fees and possibly increased insurance premiums.” The latest travel updates can be found on TDOT's SmartWay website or by dialing 511. Following this information may help reduce potential travel delays and improve the overall driving experience.
