The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has announced that there will be no lane closures on Tennessee roads during the Thanksgiving holiday period. This decision aims to minimize travel disruptions as traffic volumes are expected to increase significantly. The suspension of construction-related lane closures will start at noon on Wednesday, November 27, and will continue until 6:00 a.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024.
Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley stated that Thanksgiving is typically the most traveled holiday of the year. Temporarily halting road work is intended to maximize highway capacity and reduce congestion, especially on heavily trafficked days like Wednesday and Sunday.
Latest TN News
During this time, TDOT’s HELP Truck drivers will be on duty to assist with any incidents on the interstates. Motorists are advised to be cautious, slow down, and adhere to the “move over” law for emergency vehicles.
AAA has predicted record numbers for Thanksgiving travel, with an estimated 1.8 million people in Tennessee expected to take road trips. This marks an increase of 27,000 travelers compared to last year.
While the majority of lane closures will be paused, some construction zones may still have workers present, and long-term lane closures will remain for safety purposes. Drivers are urged to maintain safe speeds and follow posted guidelines, especially in work zones where speeding fines can reach up to $500.
For information on current construction activity and to access live streaming traffic cameras, travelers can visit www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Additionally, travelers can call 511 for statewide travel updates. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and check travel conditions before departing.
Source: Read Original Release
Knoxville Thanksgiving Holiday Closure Schedule
Knoxville city offices and services, including 311 and 211 phone lines, will be closed on November 28-29, 2024, for Thanksgiving. Garbage collection will be delayed by a day, with no collection on Thanksgiving Day. Recycling centers will remain open, but the Solid Waste Facility and KAT buses will have altered schedules during the holiday period.