Motorists hitting the road for Labor Day trips in Georgia and South Carolina will have one less thing to worry about. Both states are suspending work on road construction projects.
In Georgia, the Department of Transportation is restricting road construction on interstates and major state routes from noon on Friday, Sept. 3 through 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 7.
South Carolina’s Department of Transportation is prohibiting lane closures for non-emergency work beginning at 6 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 3. Work will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 6 a.m.
GDOT is also forecasting the best and worst travel times since it found traffic volume on Georgia highways have largely returned to pre-pandemic levels.
From GDOT: This Labor Day weekend (Friday, Sept. 3- Tuesday, Sept. 7), a boost in congestion in and around metro Atlanta interstates with the heaviest traffic on Friday, Sept. 3, starting as early as 12 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5 and Monday, Sept. 6 (Labor Day) are predicted to have lighter than usual traffic. On Tuesday, Sept. 7, traffic is expected to increase to normal weekday commute travel times with a slightly staggered morning rush as motorists are later getting back on the interstate.
GDOT and SCDOT also remind motorists they can get real-time traffic information 24 hours a day, seven days a week via www.511ga.org and www.511sc.org or by downloading the 511 app for each state. Motorists can also call 511 to request information or ask for assistance.
If you are looking for the quickest route, GDOT said, “Data shows the quickest routes estimated are from the couch to your fridge.”
Whatever route motorists choose, GDOT and SCDOT ask drivers to observe posted speed limits, stay alert, and wear seat belts.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
