(INDIANAPOLIS) - State officials are urging Hoosiers to plan ahead and drive safely as heavy traffic is expected across Indiana during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
AAA estimates more than 45 million people will travel nationwide for Memorial Day, including more than 960,000 Indiana residents.
Governor Mike Braun said travelers should expect increased traffic on highways and interstates, particularly with holiday travel and crowds heading to and from the Indianapolis 500.
Beginning at noon Friday, the Indiana Department of Transportation will suspend existing road closures and restrictions on state highways, U.S. highways and interstates where it is safe to do so. Longer-term construction closures will remain in place. Construction and maintenance activities are scheduled to resume Tuesday morning.
Drivers can check traffic conditions, road restrictions and traffic cameras through the 511 Indiana website or the INDOT TrafficWise mobile app.
INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist encouraged drivers to buckle up, avoid distractions, follow posted speed limits and construction signs, and never drive impaired.
State officials also highlighted work zone safety. INDOT has more than 1,000 construction and maintenance projects planned for 2026, and officials noted that most work zone injuries and fatalities involve drivers and passengers rather than road workers.
Officials are also reminding motorists to drive sober. According to the National Safety Council, 38% of fatal crashes during the 2024 Memorial Day holiday period involved an alcohol-impaired driver.
The INDOT Hoosier Helper Safety Service Patrol will be active Sunday and Monday in the Indianapolis area. The program provides traffic control, limited roadside assistance and support at crash scenes.
Since 1991, Hoosier Helpers have assisted more than 400,000 motorists, driven more than 20 million miles and responded to more than 1.2 million incidents statewide.
Drivers needing assistance from a Hoosier Helper can contact INDOT Customer Service at 855-INDOT4U (463-6848).