Wednesday, August 28, 2013

IDOT Suspends Non-Emergency Road Work to Improve Traffic Flow for Labor Day Weekend

SPRINGFIELD – With thousands of motorists expected to travel on state roadways over the Labor Day holiday weekend, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced today that non-emergency roadwork will be suspended where possible to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. IDOT is also providing advance notice of lane closures that will be in place for the holiday week to aid motorists’ travel plans and boost safety.

“Labor Day weekend is the traditionally the last weekend of summer travel for motorists and we want to help ensure it’s a safe one,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider. “All non-emergency road work, wherever possible, will be suspended during the Labor Day weekend to allow Illinois families and visitors traveling on our roadways a smooth ride with reduced roadway congestion and improved safety.”

Starting at 3 p.m. Friday, August 30, IDOT will suspend all non-emergency roadwork for the holiday week and open up all lanes where possible through midnight Monday, September 2. Some construction zones will have lane closures in effect, depending on the projects.

IDOT is urging motorists to slow down, obey posted speed limits and drive with caution through work zones. Holiday travelers are reminded that work zone speed limits are still in effect wherever they are posted, even where no construction workers are present. For more information on road closures, visit http://www.dot.il.gov/tpublic.html#road.