TDOT Halts Interstate Construction for Memorial Day Weekend

Nashville, Tenn. - The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will stop all interstate construction work this Memorial Day weekend in anticipation of heavy holiday travel.

TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely has instructed the department’s crews and contractors to stop all road construction work which requires lane closures beginning starting at noon, Friday, May 25, through the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 28. This will provide maximum roadway capacity to the many motorists expected to travel through the state this holiday weekend.

“Suspending construction on holiday weekends is a common practice for TDOT,” said Commissioner Nicely. “With more motorists on the road, we believe it is vital to keep traffic moving and to allow people to travel without interruptions during major holidays. It helps keep travelers safe as well as allowing them an enjoyable trip through Tennessee.”

There may be some lane closures in place on long term construction projects. Drivers should obey all posted speed limits, particularly in construction zones, even when workers are not present. The slower speeds are necessary due to the temporary layout of the roadway in construction zones and will be strictly enforced.

“With millions of motorists on the roadway, it is important for everyone to use caution, especially in construction zones,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. “Law enforcement will be out in force to catch those who choose to break the law. The message is simple, buckle up and slow down so that everyone can arrive at their holiday destinations safely.”

Travel will be up slightly this Memorial Day holiday despite high gas prices and increasing vacation costs, according to AAA Auto Club South. AAA estimates that nationwide, 38.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, nearly a 2 percent increase from last year. AAA Auto Club South estimates that 685,000 Tennesseans are expected to travel this weekend, with 548,592 projected to drive, 73,989 scheduled to fly and approximately 62,610 traveling by bus.