Georgia Limiting Lane Closures Through Monday Morning
"As people visit friends and family for the Thanksgiving holiday and shop on Black Friday, we anticipate heavy traffic," said Georgia DOT State Construction Engineer John D. Hancock. "For easier and safer travel, we are limiting construction and associated lane closures."
Saying it wants to ease Thanksgiving traffic congestion statewide, the Georgia Department of Transportation has suspended construction-related lane closures on interstate highways, heavily traveled state routes, and roads near major shopping centers, malls, and shopping districts from 6 a.m. om Wednesday, Nov. 22 to 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 27, and the agency will put similar restrictions in place for Christmas and New Year's periods this year.
"As people visit friends and family for the Thanksgiving holiday and shop on Black Friday, we anticipate heavy traffic," said Georgia DOT State Construction Engineer John D. Hancock. "For easier and safer travel, we are limiting construction and associated lane closures."
The department also reminded travelers to exercise caution because crews still may be working close to highways, and safety concerns may require some long-term lane closures to remain in place. Also, the agency said incident management or emergency, maintenance-related lane closures could become necessary at any time on any interstate or state route.
"We typically see an increase in roadway fatalities during heavy travel holidays," Hancock said. "I urge drivers to slow down and drive alert. Put down the cell phone and make sure you and your passengers buckle up. Let's make this a happy Thanksgiving for all."
For up-to-date information about travel conditions on Georgia interstates and state routes, visit www.511ga.org.