posted May 21, 2008
Road construction won't slow travelers through Tennessee this Memorial Day weekend. The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all interstate construction that requires lane closures beginning on Friday at noon in anticipation of the holiday travel weekend.
"Suspending construction on holiday weekends is a common practice for TDOT," said Commissioner Gerald Nicely. "With gas prices at a record high, the last thing we want is for people to spend their vacation time sitting idle in a work zone. With more motorists on the road, it is vital to keep traffic moving in order to help keep travelers safe and allow them to enjoy their trip through Tennessee."
No lane closure activity will occur on interstates or state highways from noon on Friday, until the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 27. This will provide maximum roadway capacity to the many motorists expected to travel through the state this holiday weekend. Some long-term lane closures will remain in place in order to ensure safety.
Drivers should obey all posted speed limits, particularly in construction zones. Slower speeds are necessary in work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway and will be enforced. Fines for speeding in a work zone when workers are present in Tennessee can be as much as $250. Even though lane closure activity will be stopped, many workers will still be on site at many projects.
"With millions of motorists on our roadways, it is important for everyone to use caution, especially in work zones," said Governor's Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. "Law enforcement will be watching for motorists who break the law. If you're traveling this Memorial Day weekend remember to buckle up and slow down so that everyone can arrive at their holiday destinations safely."
For the first time since 1998, AAA Auto Club South predicts that travel will be down slightly this Memorial Day holiday. AAA estimates that nationwide, 37.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, a decrease of nearly 360,000 travelers from last year. AAA Auto Club South estimates that 661,569 Tennesseans are expected to travel this weekend, with 543,492 projected to drive, 66,427 scheduled to fly and approximately 51,650 traveling by bus or train.
| Dining Out | Business | Movies | Focus | About Us |
| Church | Living Well | Memories | Outdoors | Real Estate | Student Scene | Travel |