Travelers in Tennessee can breathe a sigh of relief this Thanksgiving, as road construction will not impede their journeys. In anticipation of the surge in traffic that typically accompanies the holiday, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has announced a temporary suspension of all lane closures on state highways and interstates. This pause will take effect at noon on Wednesday, November 27, and will last until 6:00 a.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024.
Butch Eley, the Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner, emphasized the significance of this decision, noting that Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year. He remarked, “By halting road construction during this period, we can maximize the capacity of our roadways and reduce traffic, particularly on Wednesday and Sunday, which are expected to be the busiest travel days.” To further assist motorists during this peak time, TDOT’s HELP Truck drivers will be actively patrolling the interstates, ready to assist with any incidents that may arise. Drivers are reminded to be vigilant and to adhere to the law by slowing down and moving over for these vehicles.
According to AAA, this year’s Thanksgiving travel is projected to reach unprecedented levels, with an estimated 1.8 million people hitting the roads in Tennessee alone, marking an increase of 27,000 compared to last year. While all lane closure activities will be paused, it is important to note that some construction zones may still have workers present. Consequently, certain projects will maintain permanent lane closures for safety reasons. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and comply with posted speed limits, especially in these work zones. Those who are caught speeding in areas where construction personnel are present could face a hefty fine of $500, along with court costs and potentially increased insurance premiums.