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ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is suspending lane closures on Georgia interstates and state routes for the upcoming July 4th holiday travel period.
The suspension of lane closures will begin at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Thursday, July 3, and will continue until 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. During this time, construction-related lane closures will be suspended to ease potential congestion, reduce delays, and increase safety for motorists across the state due to the holiday.
Georgia DOT is committed to the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and our staff. While 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.
Additionally, weather conditions can 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.
In 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.
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.
Surface Streets:
- 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.
Express Lanes: July 2-6
- 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.
Major interstates outside of metro Atlanta:
Historical July 4th travel data from the 2024 holiday week has shown the following traffic trends for major interstates in and outside of the metro Atlanta area:
- I-75 is predicted to have moderate congestion southbound and northbound out of Atlanta into Stockbridge.
- I-85 and I-185 are predicted to have light congestion in West Georgia near Alabama.
- I-20 is predicted to have light congestion eastbound and westbound in West Georgia near Alabama.
- I-24 is predicted to have moderate congestion in Northwest Georgia near Chattanooga.
- I-75 is predicted to have moderate congestion northbound and southbound in North Georgia near Chattanooga.
- I-16 is predicted to have heavy congestion westbound and eastbound in East Georgia near Savannah.
- I-475, I-75, and I-16 are predicted to have heavy congestion in West Georgia near Macon.
- I-75 is predicted to have moderate congestion northbound and southbound in South Georgia near Valdosta.
- I-85 is predicted to have light congestion near Northeast Georgia near South Carolina.
- I-95 is predicted to have moderate congestion northbound and southbound in Southeast Georgia near Florida.
Motorists are also encouraged to plan ahead using 511GA in anticipation of increased traffic on interstates, and especially in areas where several cities in the state are hosting special holiday events, which could impact travel patterns. These include but are not limited to:
- Lawrenceville – Prelude to the Fourth, July 2
- Savannah – River Street Celebration, July 4
- Augusta – Fourth of July Celebration, July 3-4
- Atlanta – AJC Peachtree Road Race, July 4
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.