MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The holidays are around the corner and that means more people will be traveling. The Alabama Department of Transportation says drivers should plan for an increased number of vehicles on Alabama highways during the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday weekend. ALDOT says they will suspend lane closures on interstates from Wednesday, Nov. 22 at noon through Sunday, Nov. 26 at 11:59 p.m. for the safety of the traveling public, construction and maintenance crews.
Throughout the year, ALDOT limits road construction during major holidays. Emergency lane closures may be possible, depending on specific circumstances on interstates and other state roadways. ALDOT asks people to drive safely and offers the following road safety tips and information:
- Drive Alert and Limit Distractions and Risky Behaviors
Don’t text or drive distracted; follow the posted speed limits, buckle up and always drive sober. Both alcohol and drugs can impair the skills critical for safe and responsible driving.
- Move Over
Alabama’s Move Over law requires drivers to move over a lane or slow down when there are vehicles with flashing lights on the side of the road.
- Know Before You Go
Motorists planning their holiday travel route can find Alabama traffic and road condition information at www.ALGOtraffic.com or by downloading the ALGO Traffic app. Drivers should never text or use a mobile device while operating a vehicle.
According to AAA, nearly 55.4 million people will be traveling between the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday. This year’s Thanksgiving travel is estimated to increase 2.3% from last year and 2023 marks the third-highest Thanksgiving forecast since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000.