The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has announced a statewide suspension of temporary lane closures on interstate routes during the upcoming Labor Day weekend, aiming to facilitate smoother and safer travel for both residents and visitors.

According to a news release, the suspension will be in effect from Friday, Aug. 30, at noon through Monday, Sept. 2, at 11:59 a.m.

This decision, according to ALDOT, is intended to reduce congestion and enhance safety during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The move is expected to benefit the traveling public as well as maintenance and construction workers by minimizing delays and hazards on the road.

"Labor Day is a time when motorists take to the roads to enjoy the last days of summer," Drive Safe Alabama coordinator Allison Green said in the release. "By suspending lane closures, we hope to make the journey safer and less stressful for everyone. Safety is a shared responsibility, and we urge all drivers to remain alert and follow traffic laws."

ALDOT also provided safety tips for those hitting the road this Labor Day weekend. Motorists are encouraged to watch their speed, as speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes. They are also advised to avoid distracted driving, a leading cause of vehicle crashes, by putting down their phones and focusing on the road. Alabama law prohibits drivers from holding a cell phone while driving.

Additionally, ALDOT emphasized the importance of never driving impaired. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only illegal but extremely dangerous. Motorists are urged to arrange for a designated driver or use a rideshare service if they plan on drinking.

For those planning their holiday travel route, ALDOT offers real-time traffic and road condition updates, including live traffic camera feeds, at https://ALGOtraffic.com/ or through the ALGO Traffic app.