Memorial Day Travel Weekend Expected to be Busy

Memorial Day weekend is considered one of the heaviest travel times and keeping that in mind, the Georgia Department of Transportation will again seek to ease traffic congestion by suspending construction-related lane closures.

DOT Spokesperson Annalysce Baker said that the DOT will suspend construction-related lane closures starting later today.

“Starting at noon (today), we are suspending construction-related lane closures to ease congestion for motorists who are traveling around the state or through the state,” said Baker.

That will continue through 5 a.m. Tuesday, May 31.

In addition, the DOT said it will limit lane closures on state routes that directly serve major tourist and recreation centers.

The Department reminded travelers to exercise caution as heavy holiday traffic is expected; crews may still work in proximity to highways; and safety concerns may require some long-term lane closures to remain in place.

Also, Baker said incident management or emergency, maintenance-related lane closures could become necessary at any time on any route.

The Georgia DOT also wants people to stay safe on the highways this weekend and throughout the summer.

Baker urged to motorists to drive alert and arrive alive.

“When we head out for Memorial Day, we plan to have a good time,” said Baker. “We do not want to have a tragic event happen to us while we are enjoying the Memorial Day holiday weekend, so we are asking people to put their seat belts on. We are asking them to put their phones away. No texting. We are asking them to drive without distractions. Drive alert.”

In the event of a crash or breakdown, the DOT advises motorists to never get out of the car on a freeway, unless your life is in imminent danger.

Officials said that if possible, pull off the road, turn on your hazard lights and stay seat-belted in the vehicle with the doors locked.

For updated information about travel conditions on Georgia’s interstates and state routes call 511, a free phone service that provides real-time statewide traffic and travel information, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather.

More information is available at www.511ga.org.