Chattanooga, TN – Thanksgiving travelers in Tennessee can breathe a sigh of relief as the Tennessee Department of Transportation announced that all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state highways will be paused during the holiday. The suspension of lane closures will begin at noon on Wednesday, November 27, and continue through 6:00 a.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024, in anticipation of increased traffic volumes.
“Thanksgiving is typically the most traveled holiday of the year,” stated Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. “Halting road work during this time will provide maximum capacity on our highways and help alleviate congestion, especially during the predicted peak travel days of Wednesday and Sunday. TDOT’s HELP Truck drivers will be working throughout the holiday weekend to assist with incidents that may occur along the interstates. Watch out for them – move over, slow down. It’s the law.”
AAA projects record-breaking travel numbers for the Thanksgiving holiday, with 1.8 million Tennesseans expected to hit the road. This marks an increase of 27,000 travelers compared to last year.
Despite the suspension of lane closures, TDOT cautioned that some workers might still be present at construction zones, and long-term lane closures necessary for safety will remain in place. Drivers are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to posted speed limits, particularly in work zones. Violators caught speeding in zones with workers present could face fines of up to $500, additional court fees, and potential increases in insurance premiums.
TDOT emphasized its commitment to ensuring smooth travel during the holiday and reminded motorists to drive responsibly.