With the stresses of the holiday season and the increased holiday traffic, Georgia DOT aims to ease traffic congestion and associated driving anxieties with suspension of construction-related lane closures on interstate highways, heavily traveled state routes and roadways near major shopping centers, malls, shopping districts and tourist locations.
 
Lane closure restrictions are as follows:

• Christmas - no lane closures from 5 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26.

• New Year’s – no lane closures from 5 a.m. Friday, Dec. 29 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2.

“There is normally an uptick in drunk driving during the holiday season. If you plan to drink, please designate a sober driver in advance or arrange to be picked up,” said Georgia DOT State Construction Engineer John D. Hancock. “I always urge drivers to drive defensively, but especially at this time of year, remember to be extra cautious. Slow down and drive alert. Put down the cell phone and make sure you and your passengers buckle up. Let’s make this a happy season for all.”
 
The Department reminds travelers to exercise caution as crews may still work in proximity to highways and safety concerns may require some long-term lane closures to remain in place. Also, incident management or emergency, maintenance-related lane closures could become necessary at any time on any interstate or state route.