In a bid to facilitate smoother travel during the Thanksgiving holiday, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has announced a temporary halt to all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state highways. This suspension will take effect at noon on Wednesday, November 26, and will remain in place until 6:00 a.m. on Monday, December 1.
According to projections from AAA, an unprecedented 1.8 million residents of Tennessee are expected to hit the roads for the holiday festivities. TDOT Commissioner Will Reid emphasized that this decision aims to alleviate traffic congestion during the busiest travel days, particularly on Wednesday and Sunday, which are known for heavy travel volumes. To further assist drivers during this busy period, HELP Truck drivers will be actively on duty throughout the weekend, ready to provide assistance to motorists in need.
While lane closures will be temporarily lifted, it is important to note that workers may still be present in certain construction zones. Additionally, long-term closures that are essential for safety reasons will remain in effect. Motorists are urged to adhere to posted speed limits in these work zones, as violations can result in fines reaching up to $500, along with court fees and potential increases in insurance premiums.
For those seeking real-time updates on construction activities and access to live traffic camera feeds, the public is encouraged to visit TNSmartWay.com/Traffic or call 511 for the latest information.