IDOT suspends non-emergency road work to improve traffic flow for Labor Day weekend

[August 31, 2012]  SPRINGFIELD -- With thousands of motorists expected to travel on state roadways during the Labor Day holiday, the Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that non-emergency road work will be suspended where possible to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. IDOT also provided advance notice of lane closures that will be in place for the holiday weekend to aid motorists' travel plans and boost safety.

"Driving zero roadway fatalities to reality is IDOT's goal," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider. "During the Labor Day holiday, we will again suspend all non-emergency road work on state roadways, where possible, to improve traffic flow and to kick-start the heavily traveled weekend. To reduce potential roadway congestion and improve safety, we are also providing a list of lane closures on our website, with a breakdown by county, to help motorists plan their trips."

Starting at 3 p.m. Friday, IDOT will suspend all non-emergency road work for the holiday and open up all lanes where possible through midnight Monday. 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.

Click here for a list of locations where permanent lane closures remain in place:

[Text from Illinois Department of Transportation file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]