GDOT to Suspend Construction Related Lane Closures During Holiday Period

With Christmas Day falling on a Tuesday, the Georgia Department of Transportation is expecting more travelers than usual during the holiday week. GDOT warned that motorists should expect congestion near malls and retail centers throughout the week. It is, however, taking steps to ease the problem for motorists during the height of holiday travel.

In a press release, GDOT reminded that it will be suspending suspend construction-related lane closures on all interstates and major state routes from 5 p.m. Friday, December 21 through midnight Tuesday, January 1, 2013.  Incident management or emergency maintenance-related lane closures could become necessary on any route. Officials are, however, reminding motorists to exercise caution since heavy holiday traffic is expected throughout the state.

There are places where crews may still be working and heavy equipment may could still be found parked close to highways. In addition, safety concerns may require some long-term lane closures remain in place. Some specific incident-related lane closures may be required as the need arises.

GDOT lists the following features from the department designed to assist travelers:

• Check the maps on www.georgia-navigator.com for current road conditions, or call 511 on any phone for free, real-time traffic information. Traveler information is also available at www.511ga.org and a toll-free number for callers from outside the state, 1-877-MYGA511 (1-877-694-2511).
• Georgia 511 provides statewide traffic conditions, route-specific information and estimated travel times within metro Atlanta. Additionally, 511 callers can access transit providers, major airports, rideshare organizations, Georgia tourism information and 511 systems in neighboring states.
• For those preparing to fly, 511 connects callers to airports in Atlanta and Savannah for information on parking, delays or connections to carriers. An automated voice recognition system guides the service, but callers can also reach live operators to report accidents or congestion, request HERO assistance or obtain additional information.
• For general information on the Georgia DOT, visit the website.