NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI) — The Tennessee Department of Transportation is temporarily halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways to help accommodate increased traffic during the Labor Day holiday weekend.
TDOT announced that construction crews will stop all lane-closure operations beginning at noon on Friday, September 4, and will not resume closures until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8. The suspension is designed to provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists traveling across Tennessee during one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year.
TDOT Commissioner Will Reid said the agency wants to help travelers reach their destinations safely and efficiently while also protecting roadside workers and emergency personnel.
“The Labor Day holiday is always a busy travel time,” Reid said. “We want to ensure that the thousands of travelers using Tennessee’s roadways during this period arrive at their destinations quickly and safely without being impeded by road construction delays.”
While lane closures will be suspended, TDOT emphasized that construction zones will remain active in many areas. Drivers are urged to remain alert, slow down, and obey posted speed limits when traveling through work zones where workers may still be present.
State officials also reminded motorists that Tennessee law requires drivers to move over and slow down for emergency vehicles, first responders, and TDOT HELP Truck operators assisting stranded motorists.
Drivers convicted of speeding in active work zones where workers are present can face fines ranging from $250 to $500, in addition to court costs and potential increases in insurance premiums.
To help travelers monitor road conditions, TDOT encourages motorists to use the state’s SmartWay traffic information system. Real-time traffic conditions, construction updates, and live camera views are available online at TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also call 511 for statewide travel information.
Before heading out for Labor Day celebrations, TDOT advises drivers to check traffic conditions in advance, allow extra travel time, buckle up, avoid distractions, and never text, tweet, or talk on a handheld cell phone while driving.
Officials say planning ahead and staying alert can help make the holiday weekend safer for everyone on Tennessee roadways.
