The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will halt all construction on July 4th to ease traffic for travelers during Independence Day.
“With so many people traveling on and around the Fourth of July, we want to do all we can to ensure they reach their destinations safely and without necessary delays,” said Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley in a news release. “We are doing so by suspending lane closures during this busy holiday travel time. Be mindful that our HELP Trucks will be on patrol and drivers must obey the law by moving over and slowing down for all emergency vehicles on the side of the road.”
TDOT notes that some lanes permanently closed for construction will remain closed on July 4th and that reduced speed limits in work zones will still be in effect.
As of June 20, the American Automobile Association (AAA) expects 1.6 Independence Day travelers in Tennessee.
Overall, AAA says nearly 71 million Americans will travel for the holiday, which is on Thursday, and provides workers with the opportunity to take Friday off and extend the holiday into a long weekend.
Most, according to AAA, will travel by car.
“Road travelers should prepare for congestion in the afternoon and evening hours, particularly near larger metro areas, theme parks and popular attractions,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “With so many people on the road it’s important to be patient, minimize distractions while driving, and move over for people on the roadside.”
Meanwhile, according to AAA, Tennesseans who travel by car will not experience any relief compared to this time last year.
The average price of a gallon of gas in the state is $3.12, up from $3.11 last year.
According to Tennessee’s official travel website, Nashville has one of America’s most popular Independence Day attractions.
“Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th is one of the nation’s largest July 4th celebrations,” the site says. Nashville has one of the largest fireworks show in the country, synchronized to a live performance by the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony.”
There are concerts and other outdoor activities during the day leading up to the fireworks.
Country music star Chris Young is this year’s headliner.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on X/Twitter.
