During the Memorial Day weekend, N.C. Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction activities on major routes across the state to ensure that holiday travelers will have smoother trips. By avoiding traffic delays, motorists can reach their destinations safely and efficiently, while cutting down on fuel consumption and costs.

NCDOT will put on hold most construction projects along interstate, N.C. and U.S. routes from 6 a.m.Wednesday, May 25, until midnight, Monday, May 30 with these exceptions:

• N.C. 42 will have a signed detour, road closure and bridge replacement east and west of Ahoskie Creek in Hertford County.
• N.C. 94 will have a road closure and bridge construction on Elementary School Road at U.S. 64 in Tyrrell County.
• U.S. 158 will have two-lane two-way traffic on the Pasquotank River Bridge in Pasquotank County.
• I-85 will have lane closures in both the northbound and southbound lanes traffic between the Virginia line and the town of Henderson. The pattern affects traffic in Vance and Granville counties.
• U.S. 23/74 will have a bridge replacement in Jackson County.
• N.C. 294 will have portable traffic signals in Cherokee County.

Here are some additional tips for navigating the highways safely during the Memorial Day weekend:

• Leave early to get a head start on your drive. Travel at non-peak hours when possible.
• Stay alert. Even if work is suspended, you may encounter narrowed lanes and traffic shits in work zones.
• Be patient and obey the posted speed limit.
• Use alternative routes, when possible, to avoid traffic congestion.
• Stay informed. Real-time travel information is available online and over the phone by dialing 511.
• Don’t drive drowsy. Travel at times when you are normally awake, and take frequent breaks.
• Avoid distracted driving. When drivers stop focusing on the road ahead, they react more slowly to traffic conditions and are more likely to be involved in an accident.

For real-time travel information at any time, visit the Traveler Services section of the NCDOT website or follow NCDOT on Twitter.

In addition, the Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign begins  and runs through. Law enforcement officers are stepping up patrols statewide, watching for people who aren’t buckled up, so don’t forget: Buckle up. Every seat, Every time.

While you are traveling this Memorial Day weekend, your job is to be a safe driver. Focus on the road and let everything else wait until you arrive at your destination.