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Politics & Government

GDOT Keeping Holiday Travel Merry

Because Christmas Day falls on a Tuesday, GDOT is anticipating more travelers on Georgia's highways during the holiday period.

The Georgia Department of Transportation will suspend construction-related lane closures on all interstates and major state routes through midnight Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, for holiday travelers.

The exception will be incident management or emergency maintenance-related lane closures that could become necessary, according to a press release issued by GDOT. Also, crews may still be working, and heavy equipment may remain staged in close proximity to highways. Safety concerns may require some long-term lane closures remain in place.Β 

GDOT anticipates more travelers than usual during the holiday period with Christmas Day falling on a Tuesday. The department reminds travelers to exercise caution due to the heavy holiday traffic. Also, motorists can expect congestion near malls and retail centers throughout the week.

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Check the maps on Georgia Navigator for current road conditions or call 511 on any phone for free, real-time traffic information. Traveler information is also available at 511 and from a toll-free number for callers from outside the state, 1-877-MYGA511 (1-877-694-2511).

Georgia 511 provides statewide traffic conditions, route-specific information and estimated travel times within metro Atlanta. Additionally, 511 callers can access transit providers, major airports, rideshare organizations, Georgia tourism information and 511 systems in neighboring states.

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511 connects callers to airports in Atlanta and Savannah for information on parking, delays or connections to carriers. An automated voice recognition system answers, but callers can also reach live operators to report accidents or congestion, request HERO assistance or obtain additional information.

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