To ease traffic congestion statewide over the Labor Day weekend, the Georgia Department of Transportation is suspending construction-related lane closures on interstate highways and heavily traveled state routes from 5 a.m. Friday, September 2 until 5 a.m. Tuesday, September 6.

“Labor Day weekend is the last holiday of the summer and we expect heavy traffic,” said Georgia DOT State Construction Engineer John D. Hancock. “We are limiting construction and associated lane closures to make travel to Georgia’s lakes, parks and attractions easier and safer for all.”

Traffic will likely be heavy in the coastal region of Southeast Georgia with motorists traveling to the coastline to enjoy leisure, sports and celebration activities for the last holiday weekend of the summer.

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 route.

“We typically see an increase in roadway fatalities during heavy travel holidays, and with traffic fatalities up again this year, I cannot overemphasize the need for drivers to slow down, drive alert and take every precaution to protect themselves and their passengers,” Hancock said. “Buckle up, put down the cell phone and do not drive distracted or impaired. Just focus on driving.”

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. Georgia 511 is a free service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Georgia DOT also advises motorists that – in the event of a crash or breakdown – to never get out of the car on a freeway, unless your life is in imminent danger. Pull onto the nearest shoulder as far from the travel lanes as possible and call 511 for HERO assistance in Metro Atlanta, or 911 for medical emergency service anywhere in Georgia.

Also note that Georgia’s Move-over Law requires drivers to move-over one lane when a law enforcement, emergency vehicle or construction crew is on the side of the road and displaying flashing emergency lights. If it is unsafe to move over, then slow down below the posted speed.