Motorists driving in Georgia and South Carolina should find their travels a bit easier.
Both the Georgia Department of Transportation and South Carolina Department of Transportation have announced lane closures in road projects on interstate highways will be suspended for the Memorial Day weekend.
In Georgia, the suspension begins at noon Friday, May 27 and remains in effect until 5 a.m. Tuesday, May 31. The Palmetto State will suspend lanes closures from 6 a.m. Friday, May 27. Lane closures are scheduled to resume at 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 31.
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While construction related lanes closures will be suspended, both states advise motorists to remain alert when driving through a construction zone.
Both states also provide up-to-the minute information on road and traffic conditions by phone by dialing 511 and on their websites www.511ga.org and www.511sc.org. The service is free of charge.
Motorists will see more highway patrol units on the roads during the holiday weekend.
“During this Memorial Day holiday period, state Troopers and Officers will be on high-visibility patrols keeping an eye out for impaired drivers and other traffic violations that could potentially cause a crash,” said Col. Chris Wright, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “We want everyone to enjoy this time with family and friends, but please practice safe driving behavior to and from your destination.”
Georgia and South Carolina troopers are also part of the “Click It, or Ticket” program.
Georgia state troopers will be working alongside sheriffs’ deputies and police officers to enforce Georgia’s seat belt laws and to educate the public on the importance of wearing seat belts while traveling in motor vehicles. This program is coordinated in Georgia by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
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South Carolina’s seat belt enforcement, Buckle Up South Carolina, is part of its “100 Deadly Days of Summer” operation.
“The ‘100 Deadly Days of Summer’ kicks off Memorial Day weekend and it’s historically when we see an increase in the number of people killed on our roadways,” said Robert Woods IV, South Carolina Department of Public Safety director. “SCDPS troopers and officers are urging motorists to buckle up and ensure every passenger is buckled up, whether driving close to home or taking a long summer road trip.”
Buckle Up South Carolina runs in coordination with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Click It or Ticket” enforcement mobilization.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a general assignment reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
