Temporary lane closures in Tennessee to be reopened from Christmas Eve until Jan. 2

Thursday, December 19, 2013

NASHVILLE - Just in for the holidays: Tennessee Department of Transportation officials will halt all temporary lane closure activities beginning Christmas Eve day until Jan. 2.

The directive affects interstates and state highways in anticipation of some two million travelers in Tennessee. It takes effect at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and last until 6 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 2.

"Two million drivers are expected to travel Tennessee roadways during the Christmas and New Year's holidays, and we want to do everything possible to maximize capacity on our roadways," TDOT Commissioner John Schroer said in a news release. "We also want to keep our roadways safe."

He said law enforcement "will be out in full force so wear your seatbelt, reduce your speed, avoid distractions and don't drive if you've been drinking."