The Georgia Department of Transportation is suspending lane closures in road construction projects on heavily traveled interstates and on state routes near major shopping areas and tourist attractions.
The suspensions for the holiday weekend will start Friday, Dec. 31 at 5 a.m. and end on Sunday, Jan. 2 at 6 a.m.
On the interstates, GDOT anticipates traffic volumes for New Year’s Eve will be light to moderate on Wednesday, Dec. 29, with an increase in highway congestion on Dec. 30. The department expects light traffic on Dec. 31, but congestion will return on Monday, Jan. 3 as motorists resume commuting for work.
Georgia DOT State Construction Engineer John Hancock said, “We understand that drivers are eagerly anticipating spending time with their loved ones, but we would like to encourage everyone to drive defensively, especially during the winter season when a drop in temperature and any amount of precipitation can freeze and create hazardous road conditions.”
In South Carolina, there will also be no lane closures on interstate highways for non-emergency work during the holiday travel period.
The Palmetto State halted lanes closures beginning Thursday, Dec. 23 at 6 a.m. Those suspensions continue through the New Year’s holiday weekend. Work will resume on Monday, Jan 3 at 10 p.m.
Both state urge motorists to use their 5-1-1 system to track traffic and road conditions. The Georgia website is www.511GA.org and in South Carolina it is www.511SC.org.
Motorists can also call 5-1-1 in both states and download a free app. The systems are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
