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The Georgia Department of Transportation expects rush hour to begin early Thursday afternoon, as motorists prepare for Independence Day vacations and festivities.

Friday traffic is expected to be lighter than usual because most federal and state agencies, including Georgia DOT, will be closed.  Saturday traffic will likely be more congested than normal as motorists travel to holiday events.
 
“Although the Fourth of July holiday is overall a lighter travel weekend compared to Memorial Day or Thanksgiving, traffic congestion on Thursday could begin as early as 1 p.m. in high-volume areas,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Vance Smith, Jr.

In metro Atlanta, those areas include, but are not limited to the following areas:

·         I-75/85 southbound (Downtown Connector)

·         I-285 on the top end

·         SR 400 in both directions

·         I-85 in Gwinnett  County

·         I-75 in Cobb County

·         I-75 Southbound in Clayton and Henry counties

 
As a reminder, Georgia DOT will suspend construction-related lane closures on all interstates and major state routes from 12 noon Thursday, July 2 until 5 a.m., Monday, July 6. 

Permanent lane closure may also be in place on I-85 in Meriwether and Coweta counties, I-75 in South Georgia and I-95 on the coast. Also, incident management or emergency maintenance-related lane closures could become necessary on any route.

Check maps on www.georgia-navigator.com for current road conditions, or call 511 on any phone for free, real-time traffic information. Traveler information is also available at www.511ga.org and a toll-free number for callers from outside the state, 1-877-MYGA511 (1-877-694-2511).

Georgia 511 provides statewide traffic conditions, route-specific information and estimated travel times within metro Atlanta.  Additionally, 511 callers can access transit providers, major airports, rideshare organizations, Georgia tourism information and 511 systems in neighboring states.

For those preparing to fly, 511 connects callers to airports in Atlanta and Savannah for information on parking, delays or connections to carriers. An automated voice recognition system guides the service, but callers can also reach live operators to report accidents or congestion, request HERO assistance or obtain additional information.

For general information on GDOT, visit www.dot.ga.gov.