Motorists heading out to the mall for back-to-school shopping during the sales tax holiday can better enjoy their travels through major shopping districts in southeast Georgia. The Georgia Department of Transportation announced that construction-related lane closures on all interstate and major state system highways within five miles of shopping malls or major shopping districts will be suspended beginning Friday at 8 a.m. until Saturday at 10 p.m.

The DOT notes that some work may continue on lesser-traveled state and local system roads and that incident or emergency maintenance-related lane closures could become necessary on any route. The department reminds travelers to exercise caution as heavy shopping traffic is expected throughout the state.

Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this or any other construction project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

More information is available at www.511ga.org.