The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) has announced that it will suspend lane closures on interstates, major state routes, and roads near key shopping areas during the Thanksgiving holiday period. The suspension will be in effect from 5 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26, through 10 p.m. on Sunday, November 30. This measure is intended to ease congestion and improve travel for holiday motorists.
Despite the suspension of construction-related lane closures, Georgia DOT advises travelers that crews may still be present near highways and some long-term closures may remain for safety reasons. Emergency or incident-related lane closures can also occur at any time.
Travelers are encouraged to stay alert and follow road signs, especially near work zones. For real-time updates on road conditions, motorists can visit the Georgia DOT website or use the 511GA app.
“Georgia DOT wishes all travelers a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday!”
Traffic congestion in metro Atlanta is expected to increase starting Monday afternoon, November 24, with peak levels anticipated on Wednesday, November 26. Saturday, November 29 is identified as a day with higher crash risks, requiring extra caution from drivers. Post-holiday congestion is likely to reach its highest between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Sunday.
The department’s forecast suggests heavy traffic on metro Atlanta interstates between noon and 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Lighter traffic is expected Thursday and Friday, while moderate congestion may return Sunday evening.
Surface streets in metro Atlanta are predicted to see heavy-to-normal traffic early Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening; normal-to-light conditions are expected from Thursday through Saturday.
Express Lane schedules have been adjusted based on historical data but may change depending on current needs.
Historical data from Thanksgiving week in previous years shows that several major interstates outside metro Atlanta typically experience significant congestion:
– I-75 southbound/northbound out of Atlanta into Stockbridge
– I-85/I-185 in West Georgia near Alabama
– I-24 in Northwest Georgia near Chattanooga
– I-16/I-95 westbound/eastbound in East Georgia near Savannah
– I-475/I-75/I-16 in West Georgia near Macon
Other corridors such as I-20 near Augusta and I-95 near Florida generally experience lighter or moderate congestion during this period.
With Black Friday shopping activity increasing after Thanksgiving Day, corridors around popular shopping centers like Lenox Square, Perimeter Mall, Cumberland Mall, Mall of Georgia, Ponce City Market/Midtown Place, and Edgewood Retail District are expected to have heavier than normal traffic at specific times throughout Friday.
Georgia DOT offers several safety tips for drivers: always drive defensively with full attention on the road; wear seat belts at all times; avoid distractions; plan ahead using tools like the free 511GA app for navigation and real-time information; save routes using My511 features; call 511 for assistance if needed.
Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) provide free roadside assistance across metro Atlanta by helping with flat tires or mechanical issues and restoring normal traffic flow after incidents. Outside metro Atlanta (except I‑59/I‑24), Coordinated Highway Assistance & Maintenance Program (CHAMP) operators offer similar services statewide at no cost.
Motorists are reminded about Georgia’s Move Over Law: “If traffic is too heavy to move over safely, the law requires drivers to slow down below the posted speed limit instead and to be prepared to stop.” The law covers all first responders as well as utility vehicles and HERO/CHAMP units parked with flashing lights along highways.
“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.”
