Georgia DOT Suspends Lane Closures for 4th

To ease 4th of July holiday traffic congestion, the Georgia DOT will suspend construction-related lane closures on Interstate Highways beginning at 5a this morning until midnight tonight.

Lane closures will also be limited on state routes that directly serve major tourist and recreation centers.

However, in metro Atlanta, the restrictions will not apply to the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes construction project.

G-DOT spokesperson Katie Strickland reminds motorists that crews may still work in proximity to highways and safety concerns may require some long-term lane closures to remain in place.

“If you are headed out of town and you’re traveling up I-985 in northeast Georgia or even on I-85 headed out of Gainesville or headed out of Jackson County, you still need to exercise caution because crews may still be working in proximity to the highway. They may not be on the highway. Some of the long term lane closures will remain in place for safety. It’s just important that you drive alert so that you can arrive alive.” Strickland said.

Also, incident management or emergency maintenance-related lane closures could become necessary at any time on any route.

So whenever you approach a work zone you still need to slow down, allow extra distance between vehicles, read signs, obey road crew flaggers, and always expect the unexpected.

And we’ve been telling you, remember to put the cellphone down when you’re on the road today.

Georgia now has a new Hands Free law that makes it illegal to hold your cell phone while driving.

In the event of a crash or breakdown, G-DOT advises motorists to never get out of the car on a freeway, unless your life is in imminent danger, and call 911.

If possible, pull off the road, turn on your hazard lights and stay seat-belted in the vehicle with the doors locked.