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- The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all construction-related lane closures July 3-7.
- Nearly 2 million Tennesseans are expected to travel by car this Independance Day.
- The busiest travel days are predicted to be July 2 and July 6. Drivers are encouraged to travel early to avoid peak traffic times.
Tennessee drivers can expect clear roadways this Independence Day.
Ahead of July 4, the Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes “to provide maximum roadway capacity for holiday travelers.”
The suspension will take place from noon on July 3 through 6 a.m. on July 7.
An estimated 1.5 million Tennesseans are estimated to travel by car, a 1.8% increase from 2024 and an almost 11% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels.
“With so many people driving on and around the Fourth of July, we want to do all we can to ensure they reach their destinations safely and without necessary delays,” said Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley in a statement.
“We are suspending lane closures during this busy holiday travel time,” he added. “Be mindful that our HELP Trucks will be on patrol and drivers must obey the law by moving over and slowing down for all emergency vehicles on the side of the road.”
Drivers may still encounter long-term lane closures on some construction projects, said TDOT. While active lane closures will be paused, workers may still be present in work zones, and reduced speed limits will remain in effect.
What are the best times to travel on July 4? How to avoid peak traffic on the road
According to INRIX, a transportation data and insight provider, July 2 and July 6 are expected to be the busiest days on the road, with the most congestion taking place during the afternoon hours.
Drivers are encouraged to hit the road early to avoid peak traffic, but should remain aware that construction, accidents or severe weather could still affect travel times.
| Date | Worst Travel Time | Best Travel Time |
| Tuesday, July 1 | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Before 2 p.m. |
| Wednesday, July 2 | noon – 9 p.m. | Before noon |
| Thursday, July 3 | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Before noon |
| Friday, July 4 | noon – 7 p.m. | Before noon |
| Saturday, July 5 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Before 11 a.m. |
| Sunday, July 6 | noon – 6 p.m. | Before 11 a.m. |
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana
