ATLANTA — If you're planning on hitting the road for spring break, the Georgia Department of Transportation is forecasting the best and worst times to travel across the Peach State.
It's no surprise here, but GDOT officials anticipate traffic will be more congested in and around metro Atlanta as schools let out from Friday, March 29, through Sunday, April 7– including Easter Sunday, March 31.
Here's a breakdown of what to expect as you travel across metro Atlanta's busy interstates:
Best times to travel
Typical traffic is expected for the days listed below. So, it's best to travel before or after the prime traffic hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on these days because there's still a chance for moderate congestion.
- Monday, April 1 | before 3 p.m., after 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 2 | before 3 p.m., after 7 p.m
- Wednesday, April 3 | before 3 p.m., after 7 p.m
- Thursday, April 4 | before 3 p.m., after 7 p.m
Easter travel
If you're traveling for the Easter weekend, the best time to hit the road is after 7 p.m. on Friday, March 29, before noon on Saturday, March 30 or after 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, or before noon on Sunday, March 31.
Worst times to travel
More traffic is anticipated for these days and hours:
- Friday, March 29 | 12- 7 p.m.
- Saturday, March 30 | 12-7 p.m.
- Easter Sunday, March 31 | 12- 7 p.m.
- Friday, April 5 | 12- 7 p.m.
- Saturday, April 6 | 12- 7 p.m.
- Sunday, April 7 | 12- 7 p.m.
Additionally, GDOT provided a travel forecast for these interstates and roads across the metro during the spring break travel period:
Metro Atlanta intersections
- I-20 eastbound heavy congestion entering metro Atlanta; light travel westbound exiting the city towards Alabama; moderate congestion eastbound entering South Carolina.
- I-75 is predicted to have heavy congestion southbound and northbound coming out of Atlanta in Stockbridge.
- I-24 eastbound heavy congestion in Northwest Georgia (near Chattanooga).
- I-16 westbound bound heavy congestion exiting Savannah and I-16 eastbound heavy congestion entering Savannah.
- I-95 northbound and southbound light travel in Savannah.
Metro Atlanta roads
Additionally, more traffic is anticipated on these roads on Friday, March 29:
- State Route 3/ Cobb Parkway
- State Route 141/ Peachtree Road
- State Route 140/ Jimmy Carter Boulevard
- US 78/ Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway
- State Route 3/ Northside Drive
- State Route 8/ Ponce De Leon Avenue
- State Route 42/ Moreland Avenue
- State Route 154/ Memorial Drive
- US Highway 19/ State Route 3
GDOT's safety driving tips
Drive defensively: Be alert and use caution for drivers who may be unfamiliar with the roads. Also, be sure to maintain a safe distance from other drivers and slow down for hazards.
Prioritize child safety in your vehicle: Make sure your child is properly buckled up and use a booster seat when appropriate.
Use HERO/CHAMP for support: HERO and CHAMP are GDOT's free services that provide support for drivers when needed. Operators are available to help drivers in need by changing flat tires, jump-starting batteries, providing fuel or coolant, pushing vehicles to the shoulder, transporting drivers to safe areas away from traffic, minor mechanical repairs, administering first aid, etc.
For more information on Georgia's traffic conditions and safety tips, click here.