Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will be temporarily halting lane closures throughout the state’s major roadways from Dec. 23 to Jan. 5, in anticipation of the high volume of holiday traffic.

In a press release, the department stated, “Although construction-related lane closures will be on hold, drivers should remain alert as maintenance crews may still be active near highways. Additionally, some long-term closures may remain in place for safety reasons. It’s also important to note that lane closures for emergencies, incidents, or essential maintenance could occur at any time on any route.”

They expect heavy congestion in West Georgia along 1-85 and ask commuters to plan accordingly.

Because of the cold temperatures, GDOT encourages drivers to ensure vehicles are “winter-ready,” before leaving for travel. This can be done by:

• Have a winter-ready kit with essentials like blankets, a flashlight, gloves, and food and water provisions.
• Inspect tires before leaving for your destination. Ensure they are suitable for winter driving.
• Make sure devices, like phones, are charged in case of an emergency
• Keep up with road and weather conditions through outlets like the National Weather Service or 511GA.