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GDOT restricts lane closures for Thanksgiving holiday

Heavily traveled state routes and roadways near major shopping centers, malls, and shopping districts will be freed up from construction starting 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 22, to 5:00 a.m. on Monday, November 27.
Atlanta's skyline as seen looking southward from the 17th Street Bridge over I-75/85 in February, 2014.

GDOT is suspending construction-lated lane closures in order to help ease the heavy traffic that is expected for the holiday week.

Heavily traveled state routes and roadways near major shopping centers, malls, and shopping districts will be freed up from construction starting 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 22, to 5:00 a.m. on Monday, November 27.

Similar restrictions will be in place for Christmas and New Year's.

"As people visit friends and family for the Thanksgiving holiday, and shop on Black Friday, we anticipate heavy traffic," said Georgia DOT State Construction Engineer John D. Hancock. "For easier and safer travel we are limiting construction and associated lane closures."

Heavy traffic is also expected at various Metro Atlanta sports venues during the holiday week:

  • Hawks at Phillips Arena on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights
  • Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon & 5K at Georgia State Stadium (formerly known as Turner Field) on Thursday
  • Georgia Tech vs. Georgia at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday
  • Panthers football at Georgia State Stadium on Saturday
  • Falcons at Mercedes Benz Stadium on Sunday

GDOT reminds travelers to exercise caution as crews may still work in proximity to the highways and safety concerns may require some long-term 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.

"We typically see an increase in roadway fatalities during heavy travel holidays," Hancock said. "I urge drivers to slow down and drive alert. Put down the cell phone and make sure you and your passenger buckle up. Let's make this a happy Thanksgiving for all."

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