TIFTON - The Georgia Department of Transportation will scale back its construction projects in Southwest and South Central Georgia - suspending related lane closures on all interstate and major state system highways - through the Christmas Holidays to ease traffic congestion. Beginning at noon, Tuesday, December 23, and continuing until 5 a.m. Monday, December 29, there essentially will be no scheduled lane closures on any Georgia interstates or primary state routes.

"It is always tragic to lose a loved one, but it is particularly difficult during the holidays," said Georgia DOT Commissioner Gena Evans. "We want everyone to have a happy and safe holiday."

The Department noted that some work may continue on lesser-traveled state and local system roads and that incidentor emergency maintenancerelated lane closures could become necessary on any route.

Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this or any other construction project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia's economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment. For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit our Web site (www.dot.ga.gov).