Road construction won’t slow motorists down as they travel Tennessee’s highways this Memorial Day weekend.  The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at 12:00 noon on Friday, May 25 through 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29.  This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists expected to travel in the state this Memorial Day weekend.

“Halting road construction during this busy holiday weekend will minimize congestion and delays on Tennessee’s interstates, said Commissioner John Schroer. “We want to keep traffic flowing so everyone can have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.”

Motorists will still encounter some lane closures on long term construction projects. Drivers should be aware that reduced speed limits will be in effect in work zones.  Slower speeds are necessary in work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway.  Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of up to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.

“Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer and we want everyone to arrive at their destination safely,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole.  “If you’re traveling this Memorial Day weekend, be sure to buckle up and avoid distractions inside your vehicle.”

AAA estimates 34.8 million people will travel more than 50 miles this Memorial Day holiday, reflecting a slight nationwide increase of 1.2% from 2011.  Of this number, AAA predicts nine out of ten travelers will travel by car. In Tennessee, AAA projects 613,327 will travel by automobile and 58,168 by air, which is a 1.5% increase over Tennessee’s 2011 travel numbers.

Updated travel and construction information can be found on the TDOT SmartWay website at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway or you may call 5‑1‑1.  You can also receive traffic alerts via TDOT’s multiple Twitter feeds, including statewide traffic tweets @TN511 or any of TDOT’s otherTwitter pages.  Smartphone users can use the TDOT SmartWay Mobile website at http://m.tdot.tn.gov/SmartWay/ to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras, messages displayed on overhead Dynamic Message Signs, and information on construction related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination.  Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

TDOT's Twitter Accounts Continue to Reach Tennessee Travelers

Two years after the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) began using the social networking service Twitter to share valuable travel information, the department's Twitter account postings have been read more than 100 million times.

"Social media is a great way for TDOT to stay connected with the motoring public," said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. "We are pleased that our Twitter accounts are being used so frequently as a resource for information about our interstates and state roads."

In November 2011 alone, TDOT Twitter postings were read nearly 7.7 million times. For the year, postings reached 60.8 million readers.

There are currently 21 TDOT Twitter accounts, providing up-to-date information on various interstates in each of Tennessee's urban areas, the 511 motorist information line, and large construction projects. For the complete list, visit www.tn.gov/tdot/mediaroom/info.htm.

For up-to-date travel information, motorists can call 5-1-1 from any land line or cell phone or visit www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway. Smart phone users can use the TDOT SmartWay Mobile website at http://m.tdot.tn.gov/SmartWay/ to access TDOT's SmartWay cameras, incident information and messages displayed on overhead Dynamic Message Signs. Travelers can also get instant traffic alerts by following TDOT on Twitter.

Motorists are reminded that texting while driving is against the law in Tennessee, so please use these motorist information tools responsibly.

NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Department of Transportation is once again halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways for the busy Labor Day holiday travel period. Construction crews will stop all lane closure activity beginning at noon on Friday, September 2 through 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists traveling during the busy Labor Day holiday.

"The Labor Day holiday marks the unofficial end of summer and is one of the busiest travel periods of the year," said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. "We want to ensure that the thousands of travelers using Tennessee's roadways during this period arrive at their destinations quickly and safely without being impeded by road construction delays."

While lane closure activity will be stopped, workers will still be on site in many construction zones, and drivers are urged to obey posted speed limits. Drivers convicted of speeding in work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.

"Drivers can expect to see an increased number of law enforcement personnel on the roads this Labor Day weekend," said Governor's Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. "We want everyone to have a safe holiday, so remember to buckle up, drive the speed limit and don't get behind the wheel if you've had too much to drink or are impaired in any way."

Nationwide travel is expected to remain relatively unchanged from last year. The summer travel season is expected to close with an estimated 31.5 million travelers taking a trip of 50 miles or more away from home. AAA Auto Club South projects that more than 541,000 Tennesseans will travel by car this Labor Day holiday, a slight decrease in travel through the state compared to last year's numbers.

For up-to-date travel information, motorists can call 5-1-1 from any land line or cell phone or visit www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway . Smart phone users can use the TDOT SmartWay Mobile website at http://m.tdot.tn.gov/SmartWay/ to access TDOT's SmartWay cameras, incident information and messages displayed on overhead Dynamic Message Signs. Travelers can also get instant traffic alerts by following TDOT on Twitter. For a list of available Twitter feeds visit www.tn.gov/tdot/mediaroom/info.htm.

Motorists are reminded that texting while driving is against the law in Tennessee, so please use these motorist information tools responsibly.

Road construction won’t slow motorists down as they travel Tennessee’s highways this Memorial Day weekend. The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at 12:00 noon on Friday, May 27 through 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists expected to travel in the state this Memorial Day weekend.