Motorists won’t be slowed down by road construction as they travel Tennessee’s highways this Memorial Day weekend. The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at 12:00 noon on Friday, May 27 through 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists expected to travel in the state this Memorial Day weekend.
“We’re expecting nearly 700-thousand drivers to travel on Tennessee’s roadways this Memorial Day weekend,” TDOT Commissioner John Schroer said. “To help travelers reach their destinations safely, we are suspending construction-related lane closures to reduce congestion and delays on our major highways.”
Motorists may still encounter some lane closures or restrictions while traveling through long term construction projects. Drivers should be aware that reduced speed limits will be in effect in work zones. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of up to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.
“Our primary focus is to reduce the number of traffic fatalities across Tennessee,” Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons said. “Currently, we are seeing an increase in unrestrained fatalities. We hope seat belt enforcement will help positively affect driver behavior and increase voluntary seat belt compliance across the state.”
AAA estimates more than 38 million Americans will travel this Memorial Day holiday, a 1.8% increase over last year’s numbers. This marks the second-highest travel volume on record since 2005 for the holiday and includes a record setting 89% travelling by automobile. In Tennessee, AAA predicts that 690,180 will travel by automobile and 56,876 by air.
From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest traffic information and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras atwww.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel.
As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.