GDOT to suspend Construction during 4th of July Holiday

To alleviate Fourth of July traffic congestion, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is temporarily suspending construction-related lane closures on interstate highways, and limiting lane closures on state routes that directly serve major tourist and recreation centers. The closures will be from noon Wednesday, July 3, through 10pm Sunday, July 7.  The Georgia Department of Transportation anticipates countless vacationers traveling through all parts of the state and that the influx of drivers on the roads will significantly impact the flow of traffic. In addition to reducing construction to facilitate better holiday traffic flow, the Georgia Department of Transportation also encourages drivers to enjoy the holiday responsibly. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there was an increase in alcohol-related car accidents during the 2017 Independence Day holiday. From June 30, to July 5, of 2017, 601 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States, with 39% of those fatalities declared as alcohol-impaired crashes. More than half of those who died in alcohol-impaired crashes were in a crash involving at least one driver or motorcyclist with a blood alcohol level of .15 or higher.  For up-to-date information about travel conditions on Georgia’s interstates and state routes, call 511 or visit www.511ga.org before heading out. 511 is a free service that provides real-time statewide information on Georgia’s interstates and state routes, including traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather 24 hours a day, seven days a week.