The Tennessee Department of
Transportation is halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways from noon on Wednesday, Nov. 25 until 6 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30, in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state.

"As more than a million people travel by car to visit family and
friends this holiday, we want to ensure that their trips are not
interrupted by road construction," said Mr. Nicely. "By halting all lane
closure activity between Wednesday and Monday, we're providing
travelers with maximum roadway capacity during this busy travel
holiday."

While lane closure activity will be stopped, some workers may be on
site in some construction zones and reduced speed limits will still be
in effect. Motorists are urged to adhere to all posted speed limits,
especially in work zones, for their own safety. Slower speeds are
necessary in work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway and
will be enforced. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones
where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees
and possible increased insurance premiums.

"Drivers can expect to see increased law enforcement on the roads this
Thanksgiving holiday," said Governor's Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. "We want everyone to have a safe holiday so remember to buckle up, drive the speed limit and don't get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you've had anything to drink."

AAA predicts holiday travel will be up slightly this Thanksgiving. An
estimated one million people are expected to travel by automobile in
Tennessee. Across the U.S. 38.4 million are expected to travel 50
miles or more from home this year which is a 1.4% increase over 2008
when 37.8 million traveled for the holiday. Of the 38.4 million
travelers nationwide, 86% plan to drive to their destinations.

Motorists in the eastern part of Tennessee will have to detour around
two rockslides that have closed I-40 in North Carolina and U.S. 64 in
Polk County, Tn. near Chattanooga. Motorists can find more
information on both rockslides, including detours, by visiting the
TDOT web site, www.tn.gov/tdot.

For up-to-date travel information, motorists may call 511 from any
land line or cellular phone or visit www.TN511.com. TDOT is also on
Twitter. For statewide travel tweets follow www.twitter.com/TN511.
Motorists are reminded to use all motorist information tools
responsibly. Drivers should refrain from texting, tweeting or using a
mobile phone while operating a vehicle. Drivers should "Know before
you go!" and check traffic conditions before leaving for their
destination.