NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Transportation will halt all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways for the busy Labor Day holiday travel period.  Construction crews will stop all lane closure activity beginning at noon on Friday, August 30 through 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3.  This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists traveling during the busy Labor Day holiday.

“AAA predicts Friday and Monday to be the busiest travel times during the Labor Day holiday weekend,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer.  “We want to ensure that the thousands of travelers using Tennessee’s roadways during this period arrive at their destinations quickly and safely without being impeded by road construction delays.”

While lane closure activity will be stopped, workers will still be on site in many construction zones, and drivers are urged to obey posted speed limits.  Drivers convicted of speeding in work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.

“Drivers can expect to see an increased number of law enforcement personnel on the roads this Labor Day weekend,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. “We want everyone to have a safe holiday, so remember to buckle up, drive the speed limit and don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve had too much to drink or are impaired in any way.”

Nationwide travel is expected to see a 4.2 percent increase from last year’s numbers.  The summer travel season is expected to close with an estimated 34.1 million travelers taking a trip of 50 miles or more away from home.  AAA Auto Club South projects that 595,154 Tennesseans will travel by car this Labor Day holiday, an increase in travel through the state compared to last year’s numbers. Nationwide, 85 percent of holiday travelers will choose to drive to their destinations.

Updated travel and construction information can be found on the TDOT SmartWay website at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway or you may call 5‑1‑1.  You can also receive traffic alerts via TDOT’s multiple Twitter feeds, including statewide traffic tweets @TN511 or any of TDOT’s other Twitter pages.  Smartphone users can download the TDOT SmartWay mobile app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store for Android to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras, messages displayed on overhead Dynamic Message Signs, and information on construction related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination.  Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.