Road construction won't slow travelers through Tennessee this July 4th holiday weekend. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at noon on Friday, July 2, 2010.

"We want travelers on Tennessee's roadways to get to their destinations safely and efficiently," said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. "Suspending lane closures during the holiday period is one way to ensure that travelers don't have to contend with the additional stress of construction-related lane closures as they travel across our state."

No temporary lane closures will be allowed for construction on Tennessee roadways from noon on Friday, July 2 until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, July 6. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for holiday travelers.

Motorists will still encounter some long-term lane closures on construction projects. While lane closure activity will be stopped, workers may be on site in construction zones and reduced speed limits will still be in effect. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.

"If you and your family are traveling during this holiday period, please buckle up and observe the rules of the road so you'll arrive safely at your destination," said Governor's Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. "During this weekend drivers will notice an increased law enforcement presence on Tennessee's roadways in an effort to ensure that everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July holiday."

According to AAA projections, all types of travel are expected to increase 17.1 percent from 2009 with an estimated 34.9 million traveling this July 4th. AAA estimates 31.4 million people will travel by car this holiday weekend. In Tennessee, AAA predicts some 630,771 motorists will hit the roadways. AAA links the potential increase in travel to the heightened confidence in the U.S. economy.

Travelers are reminded to dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone to access valuable information about travel conditions any time, or to log on to www.TN511.com. TDOT is also on Twitter. For updated travel information via Twitter, follow TN511 or one of the regional feeds: Chattanooga511, Knoxville511, Memphis511 and Nashville511.

As always, motorists are reminded to stay safe while driving and refrain from texting, tweeting or using a cell phone from behind the wheel of a vehicle. TDOT advises motorists to "Know Before You Go!" by checking travel conditions before leaving home.

The Mt. Juliet Police Department has announced the traffic plan for the City of Mt. Juliet Fourth of July Fireworks in the Providence MarketPlace area. The fireworks presentation will begin at 9 p.m. Mt. Juliet Police are expecting a large amount of exiting traffic out of the Providence MarketPlace area after the fireworks at approximately 10 p.m. With safety being a top priority, the following exit traffic plan, which will go into effect at the grand finale around 9:50 p.m., has been developed:

• Mt. Juliet Road (SR 171) at Providence Way (aka Belinda Parkway) - Northbound Traffic Only
• Mt. Juliet Road (SR 171) at Providence Parkway - Southbound Traffic Only
• Mt. Juliet Road (SR 171) at Crossings Circle - Intersection Closed
• Mt. Juliet Road (SR 171) - southbound traffic will be closed at Providence Way (aka Belinda Parkway)
• Mt. Juliet Road (SR 171) - northbound traffic will be closed at Central Pike (SR 265)

Those who exit onto Providence Way (Belinda Parkway) will have access to North Mt. Juliet Road and Interstate 40 areas. Those who exit onto Providence Parkway will have access to South Mt. Juliet Road, Providence Trail, Rutland Road, Beckwith Road and Central Pike areas. Those who exit onto Adams Lane will have access to Central Pike only.

In addition, certain exits from Providence MarketPlace will be closed.

Personal fireworks, alcoholic beverages and barbecue grills are prohibited during this event.

Mt. Juliet Police hope this patriotic celebration is safe and enjoyable for everyone. Maps of the traffic plan are available on the police department's website at www.mjpd.org. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact Cpl. Tyler Chandler, Community Policing Director, at (615) 754-2550, ext. 260.

PHOTO BY BEVERLY & PACK

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) will once again operate a special Music City Star train on Sunday, July 4 from Lebanon to downtown Nashville for the Music City fireworks at Riverfront Park in Nashville.

"Last year's train to the Riverfront celebration was a success. All 900 tickets sold out quickly, and passengers on board were very complimentary of the service," RTA CEO Paul J. Ballard said. "I actually rode the train in from Lebanon that day, and it was an enjoyable ride. The crew did a fantastic job. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back on board this year."

The train is scheduled to depart from the Lebanon Station at 4 p.m., stop in Martha at 4:13 p.m., Mt. Juliet at 4:24 p.m., Hermitage at 4:33 p.m., Donelson at 4:44 p.m. and arrive at Nashville's Riverfront Station at 5 p.m. The return train to Lebanon leaves 30 minutes after the conclusion of the Nashville fireworks.

An allotment of 900 tickets will be available to the general public and cost $10 for a round-trip ticket. Parking is free at all of the outlying stations.

Customers will receive only one ticket for the round-trip and will need to show the ticket to the conductor when boarding on both trips. Children age four and under will not need a ticket to board; however, they will be required to sit in their parent's lap. Weekday Music City Star tickets and passes are not accepted on the July 4th train.

Tickets are available for purchase online at musiccitystar.org or nashvillemta.org with a credit card, over the phone by calling 615-880-1535 on Thursday, June 10, or at Music City Central (400 Charlotte Ave.).

Online tickets will be on sale until noon on Sunday, June 27 or until they are sold out, whichever comes first. Tickets will not be for sale July 4th on the platforms.

Any items that will not fit underneath the seat, such as large coolers, bikes and wagons, are not permitted on the train. Backpacks and folding chairs will be allowed on board.

For more information, contact Customer Care at 615-862-5950 from 6:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Sundays, or visit the Music City Star website at musiccitystar.org.

PHOTO BY BRENT AND MARILYNN.