The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) has announced the suspension of all interstate lane closures during Memorial Day Weekend to facilitate travel, minimize delays, and enhance safety. The closures will be lifted from Friday, May 23 at 12:00 p.m. until Tuesday, May 27 at 5:00 a.m. Motorists are reminded to reduce speed in work zones and move over when possible as lane closures may resume due to emergencies.
Georgia DOT aims to assist travelers with traffic forecasts for the metro Atlanta area and statewide interstates. These include best travel times, practices, and safety tips. Popular tourist spots such as Centennial Olympic Park and Zoo Atlanta are expected to attract heavy traffic.
Traffic data indicates that on Metro Atlanta Interstates, congestion is likely from Thursday afternoon through Friday evening. Saturday may see moderate congestion in the late afternoon, while Sunday and Monday are expected to have lighter traffic conditions. Traffic is anticipated to return on Tuesday afternoon.
Surface streets in Metro Atlanta could experience heavy traffic starting Wednesday morning through Friday afternoon. Express Lane schedules remain unchanged except for potential adjustments based on trends.
Statewide predictions suggest moderate congestion on I-75 near Stockbridge and Chattanooga; light congestion near Alabama on I-85 and I-20; moderate congestion near Savannah on I-16; heavy congestion around Macon; light congestion in South Georgia near Valdosta; light congestion in Northeast Georgia towards South Carolina; and light conditions along I-95 near Florida.
Georgia DOT advises motorists to follow several safety measures:
1. HERO and CHAMP services offer free roadside assistance across various regions.
2. The Move Over Law requires vehicles to shift lanes or slow down for emergency responders.
3. Staying inside vehicles when stopped is recommended.
4. Defensive driving is encouraged due to increased out-of-town drivers.
5. Use the 511GA app for real-time navigation updates.
For further information or inquiries about travel times, motorists can contact 5-1-1 anytime.
Georgia Department of Transportation’s mission involves planning, constructing, and maintaining state highways alongside other transportation programs with an emphasis on innovation and mobility enhancement across Georgia.
