GEORGIA - To ease Fourth of July holiday weekend traffic congestion, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is suspending construction-related interstate lane closures from noon Friday, June 30 to 5 a.m. Wednesday, July 5. Lane closures will also be limited on state routes that directly serve major tourist and recreation centers.  

“As people head to festivities like parades, barbecues and fireworks, we expect heavy traffic” Georgia DOT State Construction Engineer John Hancock said. “By restricting lane closures, we hope drivers will encounter fewer delays and less stress.”

According to AAA's Independence Day predictions, a record-breaking 44.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home. With 1.25 million more travelers than last year, 2017 will be marked as the most traveled Independence Day holiday weekend ever, the agency said.

AAA estimates 37.5 million Americans will drive to their destinations, an increase of 2.9 percent over last year.

Given the high travel volume, safety is always a primary concern. GDOT reminds motorists that crews may still work in proximity to highways; and safety may require some long-term lane closures to remain in place.

GDOT urges drivers to Drive Alert Arrive Alive - to always buckle up, stay off the phone and focus on driving.

For HERO assistance in metro Atlanta or CHAMP service on highways in other regions of Georgia call 511, a free phone service that provides real-time statewide information on Georgia’s interstates and state routes. More information is available at www.511ga.org.