Road construction and lane closures across Tennessee are being temporarily suspended as millions of drivers prepare to hit the road for the holiday travel period, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).
Beginning at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday and continuing through Jan. 2, TDOT will halt all active lane closures and road construction projects statewide. The move is intended to reduce congestion and improve safety during one of the busiest travel windows of the year.
The decision follows new projections from AAA, which estimates that nearly 3 million Tennesseans will travel on state roads and interstate highways between now and Jan. 1, 2026.
State officials said the suspension was implemented "in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state."
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While construction-related lane closures will be lifted, TDOT cautioned that some work zones may still have crews or equipment present during the suspension period. Drivers are being urged to remain alert and follow all posted signs and reduced speed limits in construction areas.
TDOT emphasized that the pause applies only to lane closures and active roadway work that would disrupt traffic flow. Emergency repairs or work related to safety concerns could still occur if necessary.
Transportation officials say the temporary halt is part of TDOT’s annual holiday travel strategy, designed to balance infrastructure improvements with public safety and traffic efficiency during peak travel times.
Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and check TDOT traffic updates before heading out, especially on major interstates and routes leading to popular holiday destinations.
Construction activity is scheduled to resume after Jan. 2, once holiday traffic levels return closer to normal.
Originally reported by FOX13 Memphis News Staff in Fox 13 Memphis.
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