RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction activities that could affect travel over the Memorial Day holiday to help ease traffic delays and make driving conditions safer.

Most construction projects along interstate and U.S. routes across the state will be suspended beginning at 4 p.m., Friday, May 23, until 9 a.m., Tuesday, May 27.

A notable exception is a lane closure planned on I-85 South in Vance County. I-85 South will be reduced to one lane from mile marker 208 (Granville County line) to mile marker 214 (U.S. 158) for pavement rehabilitation. Motorists can expect delays and are encouraged to use an alternate route through this area.

NCDOT reminds motorists that even though workers may not be present in the majority of work zones, they may still encounter narrowed lanes and traffic shifts. The penalty for speeding through a marked work zone is $250.

Additionally, the department offers the following driving tips during the holidays:

• Stay alert;
• Be patient and obey the posted speed limit;
• Leave early to get a head start on your drive and travel at non-peak times;
• Use alternate routes, when possible, to avoid traffic congestion; and
• Call 511, the department’s toll-free travel information line, or visit www.ncdot.org/traffictravel for real-time travel information.

Motorists should also remember to move over when passing stopped emergency vehicles or if involved in a minor accident. Under the “Move Over” law, motorists are required to change lanes or slow down when passing stopped law enforcement, emergency vehicles, wreckers and NCDOT’s Incident Management Assistance Patrol Vehicles with flashing lights. Similarly, the “Fender Bender” law requires motorists to clear the roadway of non-injury accidents to help keep traffic moving and reduce the likelihood of secondary crashes.