ATLANTA — To accommodate an expected increase in traffic congestion over Memorial Day weekend, the Georgia Department of Transportation announced the suspension of lane closures on Georgia’s interstate and state routes through 5 a.m. Tuesday. While construction-related lane closures are suspended, the department reminded travelers to exercise caution as crews may continue to work near highways and safety concerns may require some long-term lane closures to remain in place.
In addition, incident management or emergency lane closures for maintenance may become necessary on any route at any time.
To help motorists plan their best and worst travel times for this weekend, the Georgia DOT is sharing below its traffic forecasts and best practices for travel over the Memorial Day weekend holiday in the greater Atlanta area. Drivers should expect heavier traffic around popular tourist attractions and popular areas including Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, Six Flags, Zoo Atlanta and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens for Memorial Day weekend.
The forecasts are based on travel data from the years 2019, 2021 and 2022:
Metro Atlanta Freeways:
– Drivers should expect that their journey time will usually be about 30-45 minutes longer.
– Sunday and Monday (Memorial Day) are expected to have less traffic than usual.
– On Tuesday, traffic is expected to pick up to normal weekday commutes, with a slightly staggered morning rush as motorists rejoin the motorway later.
Travel data from 2022 shows the following traffic trends for major highways outside of the greater Atlanta area:
– Congestion on I-20 eastbound in the Atlanta metropolitan area; Westbound traffic jam leaving the city towards Alabama.
– Heavy congestion is predicted to occur on I-75 southbound and northbound from Atlanta at Stockbridge.
– Congestion on I-24 eastbound in Northwest Georgia (near Chattanooga).
– Congestion on Westbound I-16 exiting Savannah and Eastbound I-16 entering Savannah.
Below are safe driving tips that all travelers should know when traveling this bank holiday weekend:
— Leverage the support of Georgia DOT HERO/CHAMP;
The Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) program and the Coordinated Highway Assistance & Maintenance Program (CHAMP) are Georgia DOT complimentary services that cover freeways throughout Georgia (excluding I-59 and I-24). Motorists may call 511 during nighttime hours when CHAMP and HERO are not on active patrol to request CHAMP or HERO assistance or other first responder assistance.
– CHAMP monitors freeways outside of the Atlanta metropolitan area. HERO Monitors Freeways in Greater Atlanta;
— The HERO program is an integral part of a broader effort to keep transportation moving safely and efficiently;
— Both programs help, among other things, broken down drivers, change tires, keep traffic flowing and identify various maintenance problems.
— Drop by for first responders;
– Traffic-related incidents are one of the leading causes of death for police officers. Drive carefully, eliminate distractions and stay focused on the road.
– Georgia’s move-over law requires motorists to change lanes whenever possible when an emergency vehicle with flashing lights is parked at the curb. Vehicles covered by the law include all first responders (law enforcement, fire, ambulance), utility vehicles, DOT vehicles, HERO and CHAMP units, and towing services attending to an accident. When traffic is too heavy to safely navigate through, the law instead requires drivers to drive slower than the advertised speed limit and be prepared to stop;
— Stay in your car; Drivers should avoid getting out of their vehicles when stopped on highways. Instead, dial 511 and get help. Emergency assistance will provide you with instructions on what drivers and passengers should do.
– An increase in out-of-town drivers is expected this Memorial Day weekend. Be wary of unfamiliar drivers on the roads;
– Be vigilant and attentive. Slow down and approach carefully if you see a car with hazard lights on.
— Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you in case it comes to an abrupt stop;
— Don’t drive while distracted. In the event of a sudden incident, keep your focus on the road.
— Drive Alert Arrival Alive;
– Turn off or mute mobile devices to avoid the temptation to text or use apps while driving.
— Driver, put the phone down. If you absolutely must use your phone, do so with the speakerphone.
— Program your GPS, radio station, podcast or audio book before driving;
– Never drive impaired or drowsy;
— Always wear a seat belt, no matter how far you drive. And make sure your passengers are buckled, too.
— Always be aware of pedestrians and slow down in areas of heavy pedestrian traffic.
