TDOT Now Using Twitter to Provide Information about Delays on Tennessee Roadways
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Nashville – Motorists traveling through the volunteer state this Memorial Day holiday will have an open road and a new tool to help avoid traffic tie-ups. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is suspending all lane closure activities on state roads and interstates and is launching TDOT’s first Twitter page to help keep motorists up to date about problems on volunteer state roadways.
“In addition to suspending all lane closure activity this Memorial Day we will be launching our latest informational tool for motorists,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Twitter is one more way TDOT can help travelers stay informed about road conditions in the volunteer state.”
People wishing to receive TDOT’s Twitter updates can now follow TN511 on Twitter. Motorists can also obtain traffic information on the TDOT web site and by calling 511 from any land line or cellular phone or by tuning into one of several Highway Advisory Radio stations located in most urban areas.
As in years past, TDOT will suspend all interstate construction that requires lane closures in anticipation of the busy holiday travel weekend. No lane closure activity will occur on interstates or state highways from 12:00 noon Friday, May 22, until 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 26. Long-term lane closures will remain in place for safety.
“Suspending construction on holiday weekends is a common practice for TDOT,” added Nicely. “As more motorists hit the road, it is vital to keep traffic moving to improve safety and help everyone enjoy their trip through Tennessee.”
Slower speed limits will still be in effect in construction zones. Even though lane closure activity will be stopped, workers will still be on site at many projects. Fines for speeding in a work zone when workers are present can be as much as $500.
“With millions of motorists on our roadways, it is important for everyone to use caution,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. “If you’re traveling this Memorial Day weekend be sure to buckle up and slow down so that everyone can arrive at their holiday destinations safely.”
AAA estimates 32.4 million people will travel more than 50 miles this Memorial Day holiday including 27 million Americans who will hit the roads nationwide. In Tennessee, AAA projects 679,000 will travel by automobile. A total of 813,000 Tennesseans are expected to travel this Memorial Day, a 1.4% increase over Tennessee’s 2007 travel numbers. This year’s nationwide travel projections represent a 1.5% increase, from 31.9 million in 2008 to 32.4 million.
For more information on road conditions in Tennessee, visit the TDOT web site and click on the TDOT SmartWay icon for traffic cameras and real-time travel information. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone or visit www.TN511.com to access valuable information about travel conditions anytime, or follow TN511 on Twitter.
