TDOT Halts Holiday Lane Closures as Thanksgiving Travel Surge Raises Crash Concerns

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) announced that it will suspend all construction-related lane closures on state highways and interstates during the upcoming Thanksgiving travel period. The temporary pause begins noon Wednesday, November 26, and extends through 6 a.m. Monday, December 1, a move aimed at easing congestion as more than 1.8 million Tennesseans are expected to travel for the holiday.
Source: The Trucker

TDOT officials say the decision is intended to maximize roadway capacity at a time when traffic demand is among the highest of the year. “Halting roadwork during this time will help alleviate congestion and keep traffic flowing smoothly,” TDOT Commissioner Will Reid stated in the agency’s announcement.

However, while lane closures will be lifted, TDOT emphasized that workers may still be present in construction zones. Drivers caught speeding through active work areas risk fines of up to $500 plus court fees, even during the holiday suspension.

Rising Travel, Rising Risks

The Thanksgiving holiday has long been considered one of the most dangerous travel periods of the year, and 2025 is expected to be no different. With millions of drivers on the road, longer trip distances, and unpredictable weather, traffic officials warn that crash risks increase significantly.

National Safety Council (NSC) data consistently shows higher accident rates during heavy-travel holidays, where long-distance driving, fatigue, alcohol use, and unfamiliar routes converge. NHTSA reports that more than 5.9 million crashes occurred in 2022 nationwide, with holiday periods showing measurable spikes.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and safety organizations continue to caution that even when construction-related bottlenecks are reduced, traffic volume alone can create hazardous conditions. Sudden braking, congestion-related rear-end collisions, roadside emergencies, and weather-related incidents remain prevalent during peak travel weeks.

What This Means for Drivers in Tennessee

The suspension will likely make travel smoother for residents and out-of-state visitors, but TDOT is urging drivers not to mistake convenience for safety. Even without active lane closures, construction zones remain hazardous—especially when drivers assume the area is inactive.

Key risks officials warn about include:

• Speeding in or near construction zones

• Reduced visibility due to early sunsets and possible rain

• Increased distracted driving as travelers navigate unfamiliar routes

• Aggressive merging and lane changes in high-volume traffic

• Fatigue-related errors, often after long-distance holiday travel

Law enforcement across Tennessee is expected to increase patrols during the five-day holiday period, with a focus on impaired driving, speeding, and seat-belt compliance.

Legal Fallout: Why Holiday Crashes Increase Case Volume

For Tennessee attorneys handling car accident cases, the Thanksgiving travel window often brings a noticeable rise in collisions. Peak travel seasons introduce factors that can complicate liability analysis, including:

• Multi-vehicle pileups due to congestion

• Accidents involving out-of-state drivers

• Collisions inside or adjacent to work zones, despite suspended closures

• Weather-related crashes that trigger comparative-fault questions

• Fatigue or distraction leading to rear-end or lane-change accidents

Investigators and insurers often rely on traffic-volume data, road-condition reports, and police patrol logs to reconstruct holiday-travel collisions. When a crash occurs near a suspended construction area, attorneys may also examine whether proper signage, lighting, or barriers were in place at the time of the incident.

As Tennessee prepares for one of the busiest travel periods of the year, officials are sending a clear message: lane-closure relief does not mean reduced responsibility. Drivers should expect heavier traffic, stricter enforcement, and higher accident risks throughout the holiday weekend.

For anyone injured during this year’s peak-season travel, speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer in Dayton, TN can help ensure their rights are protected and their claim is handled properly.