ATLANTA — To aid with increased holiday traffic, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will temporarily suspend lane closures on Georgia interstates, major state routes, and roads near major shopping centers, malls, or districts during the Thanksgiving weekend.
The suspension will be effective from 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22, until 10 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26, aiming to enhance traffic flow during the Thanksgiving holiday period.
This proactive measure is part of GDOT's plan to minimize congestion and ensure a smooth travel experience for the public. Similar restrictions will be enforced during the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Although construction-related lane closures will be halted, travelers are urged to remain vigilant as construction crews may still be active near highways, and certain long-term lane closures may be in place for safety reasons. Incident management or emergency maintenance-related lane closures could also be implemented anytime.
To ensure safe and efficient travel, road users are advised to stay informed about road conditions, adhere to posted signs, and exercise caution, particularly near work zones.
Anticipated Traffic Conditions:
- Monday, Nov. 20, and Tuesday, Nov. 21: Moderate traffic.
- Wednesday, Nov. 22, between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.: Heaviest traffic and congestion.
- Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24: Light traffic.
- Saturday, Nov. 25, and Sunday, Nov. 27: Moderate traffic expected as travelers return home.
- Sunday, Nov. 26: Heavy traffic and a high potential for crashes.
Historical Trends Outside Metro Atlanta:
- I-20 eastbound congestion on Wednesday, Nov. 23, heading into metro Atlanta; westbound congestion on Sunday, Nov. 27, heading towards Alabama.
- I-75 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 near Chattanooga.
- I-16 westbound congestion exited Savannah, and I-16 eastbound congestion entered Savannah.
Express Lane Adjustments and Shopping Area Traffic Predictions:
- Adjusted schedules for the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes and the South Metro Express Lanes between November 20 and 26.
- - Black Friday shopping traffic predictions near popular metro Atlanta shopping areas.
Lenox Mall (SR 141/Peachtree Rd):
- Heavy, but better than normal traffic expected.
- Worst time: 1 – 5 p.m.
Perimeter Mall (Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Hammond Dr, Perimeter Center W):
- Heavy, but better than normal traffic expected.
- Worst time: 1 – 5 p.m.
Cumberland Mall (SR 3N/Cobb Pkwy):
- Heavy, but better than normal traffic expected.
- Worst time: 1 – 4 p.m.
Mall of Georgia (SR 20/Buford Dr):
- Heavier than normal traffic expected.
- Worst time: 2 – 7 p.m.
Ponce City Market/Midtown Place (SR 8/Ponce De Leon Ave):
- Heavy, but better than normal traffic expected.
- Worst time: 1 – 5 p.m.
Edgewood Retail District (SR 42/Moreland Ave):
- Heavy, but better than normal traffic expected.
- Worst time: 2 – 6 p.m.
The weekend is expected to offer lighter than usual traffic on metro Atlanta surface streets.
Safety Driving Tips:
- Drive Alert, Stay Buckled, Minimize Distractions.
- Buckle up before hitting the road – Click It or Ticket remains in full effect.
- Plan ahead using 511ga.org for real-time travel information and HERO or CHAMP assistance.
- Move over for First Responders – Georgia’s Move-Over law requires drivers to move over one lane, if possible, for emergency vehicles.