(Georgia Department of Transportation media release):
To ease potential Independence Day holiday weekend traffic congestion, the Georgia Department of Transportation is suspending construction-related lane closures from noon Friday, July 2, 2021 through 10:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 6, 2021 on Interstate highways and limiting lane closures on state routes that directly serve major tourist and recreation centers. In the Georgia DOT’s west central (District 3) region, this will include Interstates 75, 85, 475, 675, and 185.
“This particular holiday weekend is considered to be one of Georgia’s heaviest travel times,” said Georgia DOT State Construction Engineer John D. Hancock. “By restricting lane closures, we hope drivers heading to holiday festivities or vacation destinations will encounter fewer delays and less stress.”
While construction-related lane closures will be suspended, Georgia DOT’s maintenance crews and HERO/CHAMP personnel may still work in close proximity to interstates and highways, and lane closures due to any emergency situations could be come necessary.
In the event of a crash or breakdown, Georgia DOT advises motorists to never get out of the car on a freeway, unless your life is in imminent danger. If possible, pull off the road, turn on your hazard lights and stay seat-belted in the vehicle with the doors locked. Motorists needing roadway assistance on an interstate inside the metro Atlanta area or services on the interstates outside of the metro area are asked to call 511 to request HERO or CHAMP operators to assist them. When placing these calls, it is important to provide current location or nearest exit number and on what interstate or roadway the motorist is traveling on as well as make and model of your vehicle.
#511Georgia is a free phone service allowing motorists to seek help or to report crashes, roadway debris or signal disruptions, but it also provides real-time statewide travel information on Georgia’s interstates and state routes, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.
Should you pass an accident, follow Georgia’s Move-Over Law which states drivers must move over one lane or slow down and be prepared to stop when approaching a stationary law enforcement or other emergency vehicle, construction crew, utility service vehicle, or Georgia DOT HERO or CHAMP operator utilizing traffic cones or flashing emergency lights in the roadway or located on the shoulder.
Advisory: Motorists are advised to expect delays, exercise caution, and reduce their speed while traveling through construction and maintenance work zones. Before heading out, get real-time information on work status and traffic conditions. Call 511, visit 511ga.org, or download the Georgia 511 app. Our maintenance team members who repair roads and bridges and our project teams who oversee construction projects are continuing their essential work, while following sanitary work practices prescribed by health agencies to protect themselves and the public from the coronavirus, as are most state DOTs in the U.S.