Road Construction Won’t Delay Memorial Day Travelers
NASHVILLE – Road construction won’t slow motorists down 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 24 through 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists expected to travel in the state this Memorial Day weekend.
“Suspending construction-related lane closures during the busy Memorial Day weekend will lessen congestion and delays on Tennessee’s major highways,” said Commissioner John Schroer. “We want to do our part to help everyone have an enjoyable and safe holiday weekend and keep traffic flowing as smoothly and efficiently as possible.”
Motorists may still encounter some lane closures or restrictions on long term construction projects. Drivers should be aware that reduced speed limits will be in effect in work zones. Slower speeds are necessary in work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway. 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.
“If you’re traveling during Memorial Day weekend, be sure and buckle up and avoid driving distracted or impaired,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. “We want everyone to be able to enjoy this unofficial kickoff to summer and arrive at their destinations safely.”
AAA estimates 34.8 million people will travel more than 50 miles this Memorial Day holiday, reflecting a slight nationwide decrease from 2012. Of this number, AAA predicts nine out of ten travelers, or 89%, will travel by car. In Tennessee, AAA projects 640,150 will travel by automobile and 55,759 by air.
Updated travel and construction information can be found on the TDOT SmartWay website at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway or you may call 5 1 1. You can also receive traffic alerts via TDOT’s multiple Twitter feeds, including statewide traffic tweets @TN511 or any of TDOT’s other Twitter pages. Smartphone users can download the TDOT SmartWay mobile app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store for Android to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras, messages displayed on overhead Dynamic Message Signs, and information on construction related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes.
As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.
###