DOT Suspends Lane Closures for Christmas Holiday

The Georgia Department of Transportation is trying to help clear a path for travelers on the state’s highways over the Christmas holiday.

DOT Spokesperson Teri Pope said that all scheduled and ongoing construction-related lane closures on Georgia highways will be suspended from 5 a.m. Wednesday through 10 p.m. Sunday.

“We want you to know that we will be out of your way and there will be no road work,” said Pope. “There could be emergency repair lane closures or if there is a crash, but there will not be construction lane closures.”

Officials with the DOT said that they know a lot of people are hitting the roads and want to make it a little easier to travel through the state.

Pope said motorists still need to be alert and be careful on the state’s highways this holiday season because equipment will still be in place.

“We cannot pull up everything and get it done lickety-split like we wish, so there are still going to be orange barrels out there on 17 in the construction project,” said Pope. “There are still going to be lane shifts so if you are going somewhere where you have not been in a while, slow down and pay attention because even if we are not working, a work zone can still be dangerous to drive through just because it is different.”

Pope said that motorists can also access real-time information on traffic, accidents, and weather through Georgia’s 511 service, which can be accessed either by calling 511 or going online.

“You can use our 511 app or Twitter or Facebook,” said Pope. “Text 511ga.org or download the 511 app.”

511 is a free phone call or online service in Georgia.