MACON, Ga. — The Georgia Department of Transportation announced it is opening some construction-related lane closures for the holidays.
Lanes that are usually closed due to construction on heavily-traveled interstate highways and state routes near major shopping areas and tourist locations will reopen for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The lanes will open on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 6 a.m. and re-close on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 10 p.m.
They will also re-open from 6 a.m. Dec. 31 to 5 a.m. Jan. 2.
The agency says the temporary changes will reduce traffic and allow drivers to travel in a work-free zone during the winter holidays.
“We anticipate heavy traffic throughout Georgia as people visit family and friends, shop, and attend holiday events. In order to provide a safe and less congested roadway, we are limiting construction-related lane closures,” GDOT State Construction Engineer John D. Hancock said in a release.
Even though lane closures will be suspended, GDOT says travelers should drive with caution since work crews may still be close to highways.
Emergency and maintenance-related lane closures may pop up at any time on any route, the agency says.
GDOT also says drivers should put down their phones and refrain from drinking and driving to stay safe during the holiday season.
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