ATLANTA 鈥 The Georgia 性视界传媒 of Transportation has announced its Independence Day week lane closures on interstates and state routes.
Suspensions of lane closures are set to begin at noon on Thursday (July 3), and will continue through 10 p.m. on Sunday (July 6).
According to GDOT, during this time, construction-related lane closures will be suspended in hopes of easing potential congestion, reducing delays, and increasing safety for motorists.
鈥淕eorgia DOT is committed to the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and our staff,鈥 the organization said in a release. 鈥淲hile on the roads, be mindful that crews may still be working, and some closures may remain in place for safety or emergency reasons. When in a work zone, slow down and move over one lane when possible.鈥
GDOT also reminds drivers that weather conditions can impact travel on the roads, and that rain increases crash risk by 60%, while extreme heat (over 90 degrees) can cause a 20-to-30% increase in road debris, such as tire blowouts.
鈥淚n metro Atlanta, expect heavier traffic near and around popular tourist destinations, such as Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Six Flags Over Georgia, Zoo Atlanta and the Carter Center,鈥 GDOT says.
Metro Atlanta interstates
鈾 Expect typical congestion on Tuesday, July 1 to Wednesday, July 2, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
鈾 Be advised of potential heavy traffic on Thursday, July 3, and Sunday, July 6, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
鈾 Light to normal traffic is expected on Friday, July 4.
鈾 Expect typical congestion on Saturday, July 5, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
鈾 Motorists can expect moderate post-holiday congestion on metro Atlanta interstates on Monday, July 7, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Major interstates outside Atlanta
鈾 I-75 is predicted to have moderate congestion southbound and northbound out of Atlanta into Stockbridge.
鈾 I-85 and I-185 are predicted to have light congestion in West Georgia near Alabama.
鈾 I-20 is predicted to have light congestion eastbound and westbound in West Georgia near Alabama.
鈾 I-24 is predicted to have moderate congestion in Northwest Georgia near Chattanooga.
鈾 I-75 is predicted to have moderate congestion northbound and southbound in North Georgia near Chattanooga.
鈾 I-16 is predicted to have heavy congestion westbound and eastbound in East Georgia near Savannah.
鈾 I-475, I-75, and I-16 are predicted to have heavy congestion in West Georgia near Macon.
鈾 I-75 is predicted to have moderate congestion northbound and southbound in South Georgia near Valdosta.
鈾 I-85 is predicted to have light congestion near Northeast Georgia near South Carolina.
鈾 I-95 is predicted to have moderate congestion northbound and southbound in Southeast Georgia near Florida.
Surface streets
鈾 Heavy to normal traffic is expected to begin in the late morning on Tuesday, July 1, and continue through Thursday, July 3.
鈾 Normal to light traffic is expected from Friday, July 4, to Sunday, July 6.
鈾 Better than normal traffic is expected on Monday, July 7, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Express lanes (July 2 to 6)
The Express Lanes鈥 schedule changes are carefully assessed and based on recent data and trends. Orange directions indicate a change to the usual schedule. No changes are expected for the Northwest Corridor. Please note the following schedules are subject to change as needed.
According to Independence Day holiday travel data from 2024, GDOT has compiled the following traffic trends to keep in mind for this week:
鈾 Wednesday (July 2) 鈥 northbound a.m., southbound p.m.
鈾 Thursday (July 3) 鈥 northbound a.m., southbound p.m.
鈾 Friday (July 4) 鈥 northbound a.m. and p.m.
鈾 Saturday (July 5) 鈥 southbound a.m., northbound p.m.
鈾 Sunday (July 6) 鈥 northbound a.m. and p.m.
GDOT also encourages drivers to plan ahead by using 511GA in anticipation of 鈥渋ncreased traffic on interstates,鈥 especially in areas where several cities in the state are hosting special holiday events, which could impact travel patterns.
Major special events around the state include the following:
鈾 Lawrenceville 鈥 Prelude to the Fourth, July 2
鈾 Savannah 鈥 River Street Celebration, July 4
鈾 Augusta 鈥 Fourth of July Celebration, July 3-4
鈾 Atlanta 鈥 AJC Peachtree Road Race, July 4
Finally, GDOT reminds drivers to be mindful of pedestrians, move over for first responders, designate a designated sober driver, stay in their vehicle if stopped in traffic, drive defensively, and to use the many services of online.
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