TDOT: No Interstate Construction July 4 Holiday Weekend

Nashville, Tennessee – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will halt all interstate construction work this July 4 weekend in anticipation of heavy holiday travel.

TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely has instructed all of the department’s crews and contractors to stop road construction work from Friday, July 2, through the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 6. This will provide maximum roadway capacity to the millions of motorists expected to travel through the state this holiday weekend.

Due to the layout of one highway construction zone, one lane closure will need to be kept in place for the safety of the traveling public. This three-mile long lane closure is located in Knoxville on I-640 between I-275 and I-40 interchanges.

TDOT HELP trucks will not be providing service on the 4th of July in the four cities they serve: Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga and Memphis.

TDOT would also like to remind motorists of Tennessee’s new seat belt law, which goes into effect July 1. Wearing a safety belt is mandatory for everyone inside all vehicles. Officers may now stop you and issue you a ticket for not wearing your seat belt.

Drivers should also obey the speed limit, particularly in construction zones, even when workers are not present. The slower speeds are necessary due to the temporary layout of the roadway in construction zones and will be strictly enforced.

The Automobile Association of America (AAA) estimates that approximately 34.4 million drivers will travel the nation’s interstates during the July 4 holiday period, with Friday, July 2, expected to be the busiest travel day.

TDOT hopes everyone enjoys a safe and happy July 4 holiday.