UPPER CUMBERLAND – Road construction won’t delay travelers during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is once again halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes.
No temporary lane closures will be allowed from 6 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3.
TDOT expects over two million drivers to travel Tennessee roadways during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
“Keeping traffic moving and motorists arriving to their destinations safely is always our goal,” TDOT Commissioner John Schroer said. “Please wear your seatbelt, reduce your speed, avoid distractions, and never drink and drive.”
Except for a few long-term closures that must remain in place for safety, all construction related closures will be suspended during the holiday period. Workers may still be on-site in some construction zones. Drivers should obey all posted speed limits, particularly in construction areas 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-$500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.
AAA predicts holiday travel will increase 3.1 percent in Tennessee this year, with over 2.2 million motorists expected to travel by automobile in the volunteer state between the Christmas and New Year’s. According to AAA, 103.1 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more, with a record 93.6 million expected to drive to their holiday destinations.
