CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Thanksgiving travelers will not be delayed by construction on Tennessee roads during this busy travel holiday.
TN Department of Transportation (TDOT) will halt all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state.
All construction related lane closures will be stopped beginning at noon on Wednesday, November 25 through 6 a.m. Monday, November 30.
While all lane closure activity will be stopped, workers may be on site in some construction zones. Motorists are reminded to drive safely and obey the posted speeds, especially in work zones. Drivers convicted of speeding in work zones where workers are present face a fine of up to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.
State troopers will also be stationed every 20 miles on I-40, along with increased law enforcement on all highways.
Some long-term lane closures will remain in place on some construction projects for motorists’ safety.
AAA predicts 46.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving holiday, an increase of 0.6 percent over last year and the most in eight years. An estimated 1,025,217 people are expected to travel by automobile in Tennessee.
Gas prices have dropped, which is good news for drivers. The average price of gasoline nationwide is $2.08, 72 cents lower than last year’s average of $2.80 on Thanksgiving Day.
AAA estimates that motorists are saving $11 for a full tank of gas compared to this time last year.