🦺Metro Atlanta Region🦺 Check out GDOT's Holiday Weekend Construction Report!

Metro Atlanta Region...
Check out Georgia DOT's Holiday Weekend Report

METRO ATLANTA -- The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will suspend construction-related lane closures on Georgia interstates and state routes near major shopping areas, tourist locations and recreation centers beginning Thursday, July 3 at 12 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday, July 6 to allow for the anticipated increase in Independence Day weekend traffic congestion.

The Department notes that some work may continue on lesser-traveled state and local system roads and that incident or emergency maintenance-related lane closures could become necessary on any route. If motor vehicle accidents occur on any roadway, temporary lane closures may be installed until the scenes are cleared. While construction related lane closures will be suspended, the department reminds travelers to exercise caution as crews may still work near highways. When in a work zone, slow down and move over one lane when possible.

Weather conditions can also impact travel on the roads. Rain increases crash risk by 60%, and extreme heat (over 90 degrees) causes a 20-30% increase in road debris, such as tire blowouts.

Historical July 4th travel data from the 2024 holiday week has shown the following traffic trends for the metro Atlanta area:

Metro Atlanta Interstates:

• Motorists should expect typical congestion on Tuesday, July 1 - Wednesday, July 2, from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Motorists should be advised of potential heavy traffic on Thursday, July 3, and Sunday, July 6, from 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Light to normal traffic is expected on Friday, July 4.
• Motorists should expect typical congestion on Saturday, July 5, from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Motorists can expect moderate post-holiday congestion on metro Atlanta interstates on Monday, July 7, from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

• Heavy to normal traffic is expected to begin in the late morning on Tuesday, July 1, and continue through Thursday, July 3.
• Normal to light traffic is expected from Friday, July 4, to Sunday, July 6.
• Better than normal traffic is expected on Monday, July 7, from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

• The Express Lanes' 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.

For detailed information on permitted weekend lane closures, the public can visit: https://http://www.dot.ga.gov/ds/metrolaneclosures. Lane closure information can be accessed by selecting the desired option within the search filter and clicking the submit button. The search filter will sort information by traffic impact level, county, interstate or state route. The weekend lane closure schedule will be posted on a weekly basis and will be accessible from 4:00 p.m., Thursday until 10 a.m., Monday. Traffic will likely be heavy in various metro Atlanta locations with fireworks at Lenox Mall and Old Fourth Ward Park; a marathon throughout metro Atlanta, the Club World Cup quarter-final match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, major festivities in Stone Mountain Park and nightly Braves Games. Motorists travelling during the July 4th holiday weekend are encouraged by Georgia DOT to utilize the following safety tips:

• Be mindful of pedestrians:
  • Watch out for pedestrians, particularly in areas with large crowds gathering for fireworks displays. Pedestrians may be crossing roads unexpectedly or walking on the streets so be vigilant and ready to yield.

• Georgia DOT Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) and Coordinated Highway Assistance and Maintenance Program (CHAMP) support:
  • HERO and CHAMP are free services offered by Georgia DOT to assist motorists in need. Motorists can dial 511 to request assistance or be connected to a first responder.
  • CHAMP operators monitor interstates outside the metro Atlanta area (excluding I-59 and I-24). They also offer free roadside service as well as maintaining traffic flow and identifying interstate maintenance issues.
  • HERO operators assist motorists in the metro Atlanta area who need roadside services, such as flat tires, a dead battery, running out of gas, and other vehicle maintenance issues. They can also administer first aid if necessary.
  • HERO operators patrol the metro Atlanta area clearing roadways and restoring traffic flow after crashes.

• Move over for first responders:
  • Traffic-related incidents are a leading cause of death for law enforcement officers. Please drive alert, eliminate all distractions and stay focused behind the wheel.
  • The Georgia Move-Over law requires all motorists to move over one lane, if possible, when there is an emergency vehicle with flashing lights parked on the shoulder of the highway. These include all first responders, HERO and CHAMP units and tow trucks, dealing with a crash.
  • If traffic does not allow you to move over safely, the law requires motorists to slow down to a speed below the posted limit and be prepared to stop.

• Designate a sober driver:
  • If you plan to attend a fireworks show and consume alcohol, designate a sober driver or use alternative transportation options.

• Stay in your car:
  • Motorists should avoid getting out of their vehicles if they are stopped on the road.
  • Emergency assistance will provide proper instructions for drivers and passengers.

• Drive defensively:
  • An increase in out-of-town drivers is expected for July 4th weekend. Use caution for unfamiliar motorists.
  • Be alert and aware. Slow down and use caution approaching a vehicle with hazard lights on.
  • Maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead in case it stops quickly and unexpectedly.
  • Do not drive distracted. Stay focused on the road for any sudden incidents.

• Utilize the many travel services of 511GA:
  • Before you get behind the wheel, visit 511ga.org and download the free 511GA app on your Apple or Android device for turn-by-turn navigation, estimated travel times and real-time travel speeds.
  • Check weather forecasts and real-time road conditions to prepare for a safe arrival at your destination.
  • Select Drive Mode on the 511GA app to receive audio alerts and contact 5-1-1 hands-free.
  • Plan with My511 - Create and save routes and traffic cameras.
    • Save your destination route and use the step-by-step navigation tool.
    • Be alerted to road closures, construction, and incidents in real time when you activate My511 alerts.
    • Save and view traffic cameras along your drive to see current events on the road.
  • If you have questions about travel times, call 5-1-1 to speak to a live operator 24/7.

As always, for information about travel conditions on Georgia's interstates and state routes, call 511 before getting on the road. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, including traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays. Callers can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In metro Atlanta, you can also request HERO roadside assistance by calling 511. More information is available at https://www.511ga.org.

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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