As Christmas and the New Year’s holiday approach, the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is urging motorists to plan ahead and travel safely during the busy holiday period.
To help reduce congestion and improve traffic flow, Georgia DOT will temporarily suspend lane closures on interstates, major state routes, and roadways near key shopping areas, malls, and retail districts. The suspension will be in effect from Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 6 a.m. through Sunday, Dec. 28, at 10 p.m. A second suspension period will run from Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 5 a.m. through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at 5 a.m.
While most construction-related lane closures will be lifted, Georgia DOT reminds motorists that work crews may still be active near highways and some long-term lane closures could remain in place for safety reasons. Emergency or incident-related lane closures may also occur at any time, as needed.
Drivers are encouraged to remain alert, obey posted signage, and use extra caution when traveling near work zones.
Georgia DOT has also released holiday travel forecasts for both Christmas Week and New Year’s Week based on historical year-end travel data from 2024, noting that traffic volumes are expected to increase statewide.
For real-time traffic conditions and travel updates, motorists can visit the Georgia DOT website or use the 511GA app. Georgia DOT wishes all travelers a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year holiday season.
