Ga. lane closures halted for holiday travel period

ATLANTA (AP) -- State transportation officials say they're suspending construction-related lane closures during the upcoming holiday travel period.<br /> <br /> The Georgia Department of Transportation says it'll suspend lane closures between 5 a.m. Wednesday and 10 p.m. Sunday on interstates, major state routes and roads near major shopping areas. The department says it'll give drivers the same reprieve during the Christmas and New Year's holiday travel periods as well.<br /> <br /> Officials say the move doesn't include emergency lane closures and is meant to ease holiday traffic. GDOT officials say some crews may still be working near highways and some long-term lane closures may remain in place during the holidays for safety reasons