NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Transportation said crews would not close lanes for construction projects over the Thanksgiving holiday, helping accommodate traffic during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
According to a release, TDOT would halt construction-related lane closures starting at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22, through 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 27.
“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," said Butch Eley, the TDOT Commissioner, in a statement. "TDOT’s regional HELP Trucks will also 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.”
Workers may still be in some construction zones, even if lanes aren't closed. Lanes closed for long-term projects may also stay closed if the roads they're blocking aren't safe for drivers.
AAA estimated that around 1.2 million Tennesseeans would drive over the Thanksgiving holiday. TDOT also warned traffic fatalities were up by around 1.2% compared to this time last year, urging drivers to use caution and stay safe while heading home for the holidays.