The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has announced that it will suspend all lane closure activities on interstates and state highways during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. This decision is aimed at accommodating the anticipated increase in traffic volumes across the state. The suspension will commence at noon on Wednesday, November 27, and will continue through 6:00 a.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024.
Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley emphasized the importance of this measure, stating, “Thanksgiving is typically the most traveled holiday of the year. 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 on duty throughout the holiday weekend to assist with any incidents on the interstates, and motorists are reminded to move over and slow down for these vehicles, as required by law.
According to AAA, Thanksgiving travel is expected to reach record numbers, with approximately 1.8 million Tennesseans projected to embark on road trips. This marks an increase of 27,000 travelers compared to the previous year.
While the lane closure activity will be suspended, workers may still be present in some construction zones, and long-term lane closures will remain in place for safety reasons. Motorists are advised to drive cautiously and adhere to posted speed limits, especially in work zones. Violators caught speeding in work zones where workers are present could face fines up to $500, in addition to court costs and potential increases in insurance premiums.
Travelers can stay informed about construction activity and view live traffic conditions via SmartWay traffic cameras on their desktop or mobile devices by visiting www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Additionally, statewide travel information is accessible by dialing 511. TDOT encourages drivers to utilize these resources to check travel conditions before hitting the road.
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Murfreesboro Thanksgiving Holiday Office Closures
Murfreesboro city offices and services, including the Solid Waste Department and public transportation, will be closed on November 28 and 29, 2024, in observance of Thanksgiving, with some facilities resuming operations on November 29.