Motorists and airline passengers alike will experiences changes for Thanksgiving weekend travel.
At Augusta Regional Airport, a project in the baggage claim area has been completed. There are two new baggage carousels that allow for larger bags and increased capacity. There are also two airline baggage service offices as well as outbound baggage conveyance systems.
Another change is designed to enhance the airport’s security measures and passenger flow. The airport installed a new exit security system all passengers will pass through when they arrive in Augusta.
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“As passenger numbers continue to increase and the holiday travel season begins, these two new upgrades will contribute to an improved Airport experience by providing state of the art and upgraded systems for AGS,” said Herbert Judon, Jr., the airport’s executive director.
Motorists in Georgia and South Carolina will get a break from road construction projects.
The Georgia Department of Transportation and South Carolina Department of Transportation will suspend lane closure on interstate highways.
Georgia will halt the lanes closures starting Wednesday, Nov. 24 at 5 a.m. and ending on Sunday, Nov. 28 at 10 p.m.
“By limiting lane closures during the holiday season, we hope to promote a safer, less congested traveling experience,” said Georgia DOT State Construction Engineer John Hancock. “Unfortunately, we have seen a noticeable increase in motor vehicle fatalities nationwide due to distracted driving, speeding and driving under the influence.”
GDOT predicts the heaviest traffic and congestion, particularly in metro Atlanta, will be Nov. 24 between noon and 6 p.m.
Outside of metro Atlanta the department anticipates:
I-20 eastbound congestion on Wednesday, Nov. 24 heading into metro Atlanta with westbound congestion Sunday, Nov. 28 heading out of the city towards Alabama, I-85 congestion near the South Carolina and Alabama borders and I-95 northbound congestion in Savannah.
In the Palmetto State, lane closures will be restricted beginning at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 24 and ending on Monday, Nov. 29 at 6 a.m.
Both states also have information and assistance available online and by phone.
In Georgia, visit www.511ga.gov or call 511 for up-to-date information about travel conditions. In South Carolina, the information is available by dialing 511 or visiting www.511sc.gov
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
