Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- While the holidays always bring plenty of congestion, drivers can be thankful that road construction won't add to the traffic.

The Georgia Department of Transportation has suspended all construction-related lane closures during the Thanksgiving holiday, beginning at 5 a.m. Wednesday through 10 p.m. Nov. 27.

According to a press release, crews may still be working during the period, and safety concerns could require some long-term lane closures remain in place. Emergencies could also make some closures necessary. So officials are reminding drivers to be cautious during the holiday, which is expected to bring heavy traffic.

"Historically, there are about 3,000 accidents on Georgia roads during the Thanksgiving holiday period," Transportation Commissioner Keith Golden said. "On average, more than a dozen people die and a thousand more are injured.

"This is supposed to be a holiday for grateful contemplation and festive family gatherings, not tragedy. Please be very careful and do not drive distracted or while impaired."