To ease the stresses of the holiday season the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) announced today the suspension of construction-related lane closures on heavily traveled interstate highways and state routes near major shopping areas and tourist locations from 5 a.m. Wednesday, December 23 to 10 p.m. Sunday, December 27 for the Christmas holiday. Restrictions are also in place for the New Year’s holiday from 5 a.m. Thursday, December 31 to 5 a.m. Saturday, January 2. The statewide lane restrictions allow reduced traffic congestion during the winter holidays.

“Although traffic volumes were down earlier this year due to COVID-19, unfortunately, fatalities on our roadways have been up,” said Georgia DOT State Construction Engineer John D. Hancock. “I urge drivers traveling this season to watch your speed, put down your cell phones, be alert and make sure you and your passengers buckle-up. Let’s make sure everyone has a happy holiday.” 

While lane closures will be suspended, the department encourages travelers to exercise caution as work zone crews may still be in close proximity to highways, and safety concerns may require some long-term lane closures to remain in place. In addition, incident management or emergency, maintenance-related lane closures could become necessary at any time on any route.

To help ensure this season of joy is not marred by tragedy, Georgia DOT advises holiday revelers to avoid drinking and driving. Please designate a sober driver in advance or utilize a ride-share or taxi service. 

Motorists are also reminded to drive defensively, and exercise extra caution during the season. Slow down and “Drive Alert Arrive Alive.” Always maintain a proper speed that is safe for current roadway conditions. Remember, as temperatures drop, any amount of precipitation can freeze and create a hazardous road condition. Should inclement weather occur during the season, Georgia DOT is ready to treat the roads with brine, gravel and salt.

For up-to-date information about travel conditions on Georgia’s interstates and state routes, call 511 or visit www.511ga.org before heading out. 511 is a free service that provides real-time statewide information on Georgia’s interstates and state routes, including traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers can also transfer to operators to request HERO assistance in metro Atlanta or CHAMP service on highways in other regions of the state.

Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs and maintains Georgia’s state and federal highways. We’re involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability and mobility. The Department’s vision is to boost Georgia’s competitiveness through leadership in transportation.