TDOT Halts Interstate Construction for Easter Travel Holiday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all interstate construction work this Easter weekend in anticipation of increased holiday travel.

 

TDOT crews and contractors will stop all road construction work which requires lane closures beginning Thursday, April 1 at 6:00 p.m. through 6:00 a.m. Monday, April 5.  This will provide maximum roadway capacity to motorists expected to travel across the state this holiday weekend.

 

“Many families get together during the Easter holiday, and we want to minimize travel interruptions for motorists in Tennessee,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Suspending lane closures will provide maximum roadway capacity to the many people traveling in Tennessee this holiday weekend.”

 

Motorists will still encounter some long term lane closures on construction projects and at several rockslides in the state. While lane closure activity will be stopped, some workers may be on site in construction zones and reduced speed limits will still be in effect. Motorists are urged to adhere to all posted speed limits, especially in work zones, for their own safety. Slower speeds are necessary in work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway and will be enforced. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums. 

Motorists in the eastern part of Tennessee will have to detour around three rockslides that have closed I-40 in North Carolina, U.S. 129 in Blount County, Tennessee and U.S. 64 in Polk County, Tennessee near Chattanooga. Motorists can find more information on all three rockslides, including detours, by visiting the TDOT web site, www.tn.gov/tdot. 

 

For up-to-date travel information, motorists may call the new enhanced 511 travel information system from any land line or cellular phone by simply dialing 5-1-1 or by visiting www.TN511.com. TDOT is also on Twitter. For statewide travel tweets follow www.twitter.com/TN511 or any of TDOT’s other Twitter pages. 

 

Motorists are reminded to use all motorist information tools responsibly. Drivers should refrain from texting, tweeting or using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle. Drivers should “Know before you go!” and check traffic conditions before leaving for your destination.

 

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