(WXIA) -- The Georgia Department of Transportation has a surprise for drivers who plan to visit Atlanta over the Labor Day weekend.

All construction-related road closures in metro Atlanta will be suspended from Friday at noon to Tuesday at 9 a.m. GDOT said while some long-term closures may remain in place for safety reasons, no new ones will be added unless there is an emergency.

Traffic is expected to be heavy throughout the area, thanks to a number of major Labor Day events:

* Dragon Con
* AJC Decatur Book Festival
* Black Gay Pride
* Oral-B USA 500 (Atlanta Motor Speedway)
* Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game (Georgia Dome)
* Braves v. Marlins/Phillies (Turner Field)
* Celebrate Freedom (Marietta)

(WXIA) -- The Georgia Department of Transportation has a strong word of warning for Atlanta-area drivers this weekend: avoid the Perimeter.

Crews will work on several I-285 projects, causing lane closures and heavy delays. Motorists are encouraged to take alternate routes where possible.

Some of the scheduled Perimeter work includes:

* 2 northbound right lanes will be closed between South Atlanta and Paces Ferry roads from 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday for concrete slab replacement and interchange construction

* 2 southbound outside lanes will be closed between Washington Road and Old National Highway from 9 p.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Saturday for bridge joint repairs

* 3 southbound left lanes near Flat Shoals Road will be closed Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for paving

Work will continue in other parts of metro Atlanta as well.

(WXIA) -- This weekend will be a holiday for Georgia families in more ways than one.

The Georgia Department of Transportation has suspended construction-related lane closures on all major interstates and highways within five miles of malls and shopping districts.

This will allow parents and students to enjoy the tax-free shopping weekend without the added stress of road delays.

"The sales tax holiday is an opportunity for Georgians to save a little money during these challenging economic times," GDOT Commissioner Keith Golden said. "The department is glad to offer some relief from lane closures as families prepare for school."

11Alive Ways to Save reporter Valerie Hoff has some of the best tax-free weekend deals. Find out how to get the most bang for your buck.