Road construction won’t delay travelers during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is halting all lane-closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state. No temporary lane closures will be allowed for construction on Tennessee roadways from 12 noon, Friday, December 21, 2018, until 6 a.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

“With over two million drivers expected to travel Tennessee roadways during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, keeping traffic moving and getting motorists to their destinations safely is our top priority,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. “As always, please wear your seatbelt, reduce your speed, avoid distractions and never drink and drive.”

Except for a few long-term closures, which 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. Reduced speeds are necessary in work zones, due to the temporary layout of the roadway; these will be enforced.  Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face fines of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.

AAA predicts more than 2.5 million motorists are expected to travel by automobile in the Volunteer State between the Christmas and New Year’s holidays – an increase of 5.1% since 2017. According to AAA, 112.5 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more, with 102.1 million of them expected to drive to their holiday destinations.

From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers may also dial 511 (from any landline or cell phone) for travel information, or follow TDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers are further reminded never to tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.