To ease 4th of July holiday traffic congestion, the metro Atlanta office of Georgia DOT will suspend construction-related lane closures on Interstate Highways from 5 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4 to 12 a.m. on Thursday, July 5. Lane closures will also be limited on state routes that directly serve major tourist and recreation centers. These restrictions will not apply to the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes construction project.  
 
The Department reminds motorists that crews may still work in proximity to highways and safety concerns may require some long-term lane closures to remain in place. Also, incident management or emergency maintenance-related lane closures could become necessary at any time on any route. Whenever you approach a work zone: slow down; allow extra distance between vehicles; read signs; obey road crew flaggers; and expect the unexpected.
 
Georgia DOT urges drivers to Drive Alert Arrive Alive - to always buckle up, stay off the phone and focus on driving.
 
In the event of a crash or breakdown, GDOT advises motorists to never get out of the car on a freeway, unless your life is in imminent danger. If possible, pull off the road, turn on your hazard lights and stay seat-belted in the vehicle with the doors locked.