Tennessee motorists can breathe a sigh of relief this Independence Day weekend. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has announced it will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes to maximize roadway capacity for the holiday rush.

The suspension will take effect at noon on Thursday, July 2, and run through 6:00 a.m. on Monday, July 6.

The decision comes as AAA predicts a massive wave of holiday travel, estimating that 1.4 million Tennesseans will hit the road for the Fourth of July.

“With so many people driving on and around the Fourth of July, we want to do all we can to ensure they reach their destinations safely and without delays,” said TDOT Commissioner Will Reid, P.E.

Reid also noted that TDOT HELP Trucks will be actively patrolling both urban and rural areas to assist drivers, reminding motorists of the legal requirement to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles.

While active lane closures are being paused, TDOT emphasizes that drivers aren’t entirely off the hook. Travelers should keep the following in mind:

• Long-Term Closures Remain: Some permanent, long-term construction setups will stay in place.

• Workers May Be Present: Crews may still be on-site within established work zones.

• Reduced Speed Limits: Speed limits in construction zones remain strictly enforced.

⚠️ Penalty Warning: Drivers caught speeding through a work zone when workers are present face fines ranging from $250 to $500, plus court costs and potential insurance premium hikes.

TDOT urges drivers to plan ahead and stay focused on the road. Motorists can access real-time traffic updates and live SmartWay camera feeds at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic or by dialing 511.

Finally, officials issue a crucial safety reminder for the busy weekend: never text, tweet, or talk on a cell phone while driving.