For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
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Spring Break Travel Alert: Georgia DOT Suspends Lane Closures, Shares Travel Timeframes and Safety Tips
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) anticipates an increase in traffic during the upcoming Spring Break season for K-12 schools around metro Atlanta and throughout the state from Friday, April 3 to Sunday, April 12. Interstate lane closures will be temporarily suspended on all interstates from 10 p.m. on Friday, April 3 to 5 a.m. on Monday, April 6.
Important Reminders for Travelers:
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While lane closures are suspended, construction crews may still be active near roadways, and some long-term lane closures could remain in place for safety reasons.
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Emergency or incident-related lane closures may still occur at any time, as needed.
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Stay alert, follow road signs, and exercise caution, particularly near active or currently inactive work zones.
Georgia DOT urges travelers to plan ahead and exercise caution on the roads at all times, and is sharing the following travel forecast for Spring Break 2026 based on historical traffic data from 2025.
Metro Atlanta April 3-12:
Interstates
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Motorists should be advised of potential heavy traffic from noon Friday, April 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 5.
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The potential for typical trafficwill start at 3 p.m. on Monday, April 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 9.
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Heavy trafficis expected to resume at noon on Friday, April 10 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 12.
Surface Streets
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Heavy trafficis expected to begin in the morning - afternoon on Friday, April 3.
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Normal to light trafficis expected on Saturday, April 4 through Friday, April 10.
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Heavy trafficwill pick back up in the afternoon - evening on Saturday, April 11.
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Normal trafficis expected on Sunday, April 12.
Major Interstates Outside of metro Atlanta
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I-75 is predicted to have moderate congestionsouthbound and northbound out of Atlanta into Stockbridge.
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I-85 and I-185 are predicted to have moderate congestionin West Georgia near Alabama.
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I-20 is predicted to have light congestioneastbound and westbound in West Georgia near Alabama.
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I-24 is predicted to have light congestionin Northwest Georgia near Chattanooga.
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I-75 is predicted to have light congestionnorthbound and southbound in North Georgia near Chattanooga.
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I-16 is predicted to have heavy congestionwestbound and eastbound in East Georgia near Savannah.
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I-475, I-75, and I-16 are predicted to have heavy congestionin West Georgia near Macon.
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I-75 is predicted to have light congestionnorthbound and southbound in South Georgia near Valdosta.
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I-85 is predicted to have moderate congestionnear Northeast Georgia near South Carolina.
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I-95 is predicted to have light congestionnorthbound and southbound in Southeast Georgia (near Florida).
Below are the anticipated schedule changes for the South Metro Express Lanes for the Spring Break holiday travel period. Reddirections indicate a change from the usual schedule. Travelers are advised to check the updated schedules and plan their routes accordingly during the holiday travel period. Please note, the schedules are subject to change due to current traffic needs. There are no changes to the Northwest Express Lanes.
Express Lane Schedules April 3-12
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Peach Pass Usage Updates:
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Peach Pass is accepted at the express lane systems in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.
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Collaboration is currently in place with Florida's SunPass, E-Pass, and LeeWay. It is also interoperable with North Carolina's QuickPass.
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Users coming from accepted states into Georgia can utilize their pass while traveling on the Georgia Express Lanes.
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For the most current updates and directional information, please visit the Peach Pass website at PeachPass.com
Safe Driving Tips:
If you find yourself traveling this Spring Break holiday, do so safely with these best practices in mind:
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Drive defensively
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An increase in out-of-town drivers is expected this Spring Break. Use caution for unfamiliar drivers on the roads.
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Be alert and aware. Slow down, and if you see a car with its hazard lights on, approach with caution.
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Maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you in case they come to an abrupt stop.
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Don't drive distracted. Stay focused on the road for any sudden incidents.
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Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility between motorists and pedestrians. See and Be Seen at all times.
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Move over for First Responders
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Traffic-related incidents are a leading cause of death for law enforcement officers. Do your part to ensure highway safety by driving alertly, eliminating distractions, and staying focused on the road.
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Georgia's Move Over Law requires motorists to move over one lane, if possible, if an emergency or Georgia DOT vehicle with flashing lights is parked on the shoulder of the highway.
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Vehicles included in the law consist of all first responders (law enforcement, fire, EMS), utility vehicles, DOT vehicles, HERO & CHAMP units, and wreckers responding to a crash.
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Call 511 to request HERO or CHAMP Assistance
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Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) patrol the metro Atlanta area 24/7. It is a free service provided by Georgia DOT.
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HERO assists motorists by changing flat tires, jump-starting batteries, providing fuel or coolant, pushing vehicles to the shoulder, transporting motorists to safe areas away from traffic, performing minor mechanical repairs, restoring normal traffic flow after incidents, and administering first aid.
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Coordinated Highway Assistance & Maintenance Program (CHAMP) operators patrol interstates outside of metro Atlanta (except I-59 and I-24) as a free service provided by Georgia DOT. CHAMP assists stranded motorists, changes tires, maintains traffic flow, and identifies several maintenance issues.
Travel Best Practices:
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Make sure child safety is a priority in your vehicle
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Ensure all children in the vehicle are appropriately buckled up before driving to your destination.
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If a child cannot fit in a seat belt properly, keep them in a booster seat.
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Remember that seat belts should never rest on the stomach area or across a child's face.
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When stopping at a store or gas station during your trip, do not leave children unattended in the vehicle.
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When you exit your vehicle, always check the back seat to make sure you don't leave a child or infant buckled in the vehicle
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Always wear a seat belt, no matter the distance you drive. Make sure all passengers are wearing seat belts too.
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Distracted driving is a primary factor in many fatalities. Georgia DOT encourages everyone to Drive Alert, Arrive Alive
Leverage 511GA Travel Services:
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Prepare for your journey by utilizing the comprehensive travel services offered by 511GA. Visit 511ga.org or download the free 511GA app on Apple or Google for:
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Turn-by-turn navigation, estimated travel times, and real-time travel speeds.
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Travel forecasts and real-time road conditions to ensure a safe arrival at your destination.
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Updates on the current direction of the Express Lanes.
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Access to traffic cameras along your drive to stay informed about current road conditions and events.
Call 511 to speak with a live operator 24/7/365. Your safety and convenience are our top priorities. For up-to-date information about travel conditions on Georgia's interstates and state routes, call 511 or visit www.511ga.org before heading out. 511 is a free service that provides real-time statewide information on Georgia's interstates and state routes, including traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures and delays due to inclement weather 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers can also transfer to operators to request HERO assistance in metro Atlanta or CHAMP service on highways in other regions of the state.
Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs and maintains Georgia's state and federal highways. We're involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability and mobility. The Department's vision is to boost Georgia's competitiveness through leadership in transportation.
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