Georgia DOT suspends lane closures, identifies best, worst travel times Labor Day Weekend

ATLANTA – In preparation for expected Labor Day weekend traffic congestion, Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) announced the suspension of lane closures on Georgia interstates and state routes beginning Friday, Aug. 30 at 12 p.m. until 5 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3.

While construction-related lane closures will be suspended, the department reminds travelers to exercise caution as crews may still work near highways, and safety concerns may require some long-term lane closures to remain in place. In addition, incident management, emergency or maintenance-related lane closures could become necessary at any time on any route.

Georgia DOT’s 7-day travel forecast for metro Atlanta interstates this holiday weekend indicates that:

• Heavy traffic volumes will occur on Friday, August 30, and Saturday August 31.
• Typical traffic is predicted on Wednesday, August 28 and Thursday, August 29.
• Light traffic is expected on both Sunday, September 1 and Monday, September 2.

Forecasts are based on historical traffic volumes on similar dates around the Labor Day weekend. Please note the below change to the South Metro Corridor Express Lane operational schedule beginning Friday, August 30 through Monday, September 2. No changes are expected for the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes. Schedules are subject to change due to current traffic needs.

Outside of the metro Atlanta, historical Labor Day Weekend travel data for major interstates have shown the following trends:

• I-20 eastbound congestion entering metro Atlanta; westbound congestion exiting the city towards Alabama.
• I-75 is predicted to have heavy congestion southbound and northbound coming out of Atlanta in Stockbridge.
• I-85 and I-185 congestion in West Georgia (near Alabama).
• I-24 eastbound congestion in Northwest Georgia (near Chattanooga).
• I-16 westbound congestion exiting Savannah and I-16 eastbound congestion entering Savannah.

Georgia DOT reminds all motorists to always Drive Alert Arrive Alive. Motorists and passengers are urged to wear a seat belt and eliminate unsafe driving behavior such as distracted driving, speeding and driving under the influence.

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.