The Georgia Department of Transportation will scale back its construction projects across Northwest Georgia, suspending related lane closures on all interstate and major state system highways, including the West Rome Bypass construction project Floyd County and the widening project on State Route 146 in Catoosa County, through Monday, July 5 to ease the 4th of July weekend traffic congestion. Beginning at 5 a.m. on Friday, July 2, and continuing until 5 a.m. on Tuesday, July 6, there essentially will be no scheduled lane closures on any Northwest Georgia interstate highway or primary state route. 

`We anticipate that with Independence Day falling on Sunday, there will be numerous people extending the weekend,` said Georgia DOT Commissioner Vance C. Smith, Jr. `Traffic congestion on Thursday and Friday will be heavier than normal, with rush hour beginning as early as 1:00 p.m. in high-volume areas. Monday could also be very busy, with people returning from the long holiday combined with regular rush hour.`

The Department noted that some work may continue on lesser-traveled state and local system roads and that incident or emergency maintenance-related lane closures could become necessary on any route.

Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about construction projects on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.

Coosa Valley News