TDOT Suspending Lane Closures for Memorial Day Travel Weekend

The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend.

According to TDOT, lane closure activity will be suspended from Noon Friday, May 22 through 6 AM Tuesday, May 26 to provide maximum roadway capacity for the large number of expected travelers.

AAA predicts approximately 950-thousand Tennesseans will travel during the Memorial Day holiday period, including about 795-thousand traveling by automobile.

TDOT Commissioner Will Reid said the department wants to help keep traffic flowing as smoothly and safely as possible during the busy travel weekend. Reid also reminded motorists that Tennessee’s Move Over Law requires drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles and TDOT HELP trucks stopped along roadways.

Officials noted that motorists may still encounter some lane restrictions in long-term construction zones, and reduced speed limits will remain in effect in work areas. Drivers convicted of speeding in active work zones where workers are present can face fines of up to 500 dollars plus court costs.

Travelers can check traffic conditions and live SmartWay traffic cameras online at TNSmartWay.com or by dialing 511 before traveling.