ATLANTA – The Georgia Division of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is suspending lane closures on Georgia interstates and state routes for the upcoming July 4th vacation journey interval.
The suspension of lane closures will start at 12:00 p.m. (midday) on Thursday, July 3, and can proceed till 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. Throughout this time, construction-related lane closures can be suspended to ease potential congestion, cut back delays, and improve security for motorists throughout the state as a result of vacation.
Georgia DOT is dedicated to the security of motorists, pedestrians, and our employees. Whereas on the roads, be conscious that crews should still be working, and a few closures could stay in place for security or emergency causes. When in a piece zone, decelerate and transfer over one lane when potential.
Moreover, climate circumstances can impression journey on the roads. Rain will increase crash threat by 60%, and excessive warmth (over 90 levels) causes a 20-30% improve in highway particles, comparable to tire blowouts.
In metro Atlanta, count on heavier visitors close to and round standard vacationer locations, comparable to Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Backyard, Six Flags Over Georgia, Zoo Atlanta and the Carter Middle.
Historic July 4th journey information from the 2024 vacation week has proven the next visitors tendencies for the metro Atlanta space:
Metro Atlanta Interstates:
- Motorists ought to count on typical congestion on Tuesday, July 1 – Wednesday, July 2, from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Motorists ought to be suggested of potential heavy visitors on Thursday, July 3, and Sunday, July 6, from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Gentle to regular visitors is anticipated on Friday, July 4.
- Motorists ought to count on typical congestion on Saturday, July 5, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Motorists can count on average post-holiday congestion on metro Atlanta interstates on Monday, July 7, from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Floor Streets:
- Heavy to regular visitors is anticipated to start within the late morning on Tuesday, July 1, and proceed by way of Thursday, July 3.
- Regular to mild visitors is anticipated from Friday, July 4, to Sunday, July 6.
- Higher than regular visitors is anticipated on Monday, July 7, from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Specific Lanes: July 2-6
- The Specific Lanes’ schedule adjustments are fastidiously assessed and primarily based on latest information and tendencies.Orange instructions point out a change to the standard schedule. No adjustments are anticipated for the Northwest Hall. Please notice the next schedules are topic to alter as wanted.
Main interstates outdoors of metro Atlanta:
Historic July 4th journey information from the 2024 vacation week has proven the next visitors tendencies for main interstates in and out of doors of the metro Atlanta space:
- I-75 is predicted to have average congestion southbound and northbound out of Atlanta into Stockbridge.
- I-85 and I-185 are predicted to have mild congestion in West Georgia close to Alabama.
- I-20 is predicted to have mild congestion eastbound and westbound in West Georgia close to Alabama.
- I-24 is predicted to have average congestion in Northwest Georgia close to Chattanooga.
- I-75 is predicted to have average congestion northbound and southbound in North Georgia close to Chattanooga.
- I-16 is predicted to have heavy congestion westbound and eastbound in East Georgia close to Savannah.
- I-475, I-75, and I-16 are predicted to have heavy congestion in West Georgia close to Macon.
- I-75 is predicted to have average congestion northbound and southbound in South Georgia close to Valdosta.
- I-85 is predicted to have mild congestion close to Northeast Georgia close to South Carolina.
- I-95 is predicted to have average congestion northbound and southbound in Southeast Georgia close to Florida.
Motorists are additionally inspired to plan forward utilizing 511GA in anticipation of elevated visitors on interstates, and particularly in areas the place a number of cities within the state are internet hosting particular vacation occasions, which might impression journey patterns. These embrace however aren’t restricted to:
- Lawrenceville – Prelude to the Fourth, July 2
- Savannah – River Road Celebration, July 4
- Augusta – Fourth of July Celebration, July 3-4
- Atlanta – AJC Peachtree Street Race, July 4
Motorists travelling throughout the July 4th vacation weekend are inspired by Georgia DOT to make the most of the next security suggestions:
- Be conscious of pedestrians:
- Be careful for pedestrians, notably in areas with giant crowds gathering for fireworks shows. Pedestrians could also be crossing roads unexpectedly or strolling on the streets so be vigilant and able to yield.
- Georgia DOT Freeway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) and Coordinated Freeway Help and Upkeep Program (CHAMP) assist:
- HERO and CHAMP are free providers provided by Georgia DOT to help motorists in want. Motorists can dial 511 to request help or be linked to a primary responder.
- CHAMP operators monitor interstates outdoors the metro Atlanta space (excluding I-59 and I-24). Additionally they supply free roadside service in addition to sustaining visitors movement and figuring out interstate upkeep points.
- HERO operators help motorists within the metro Atlanta space who want roadside providers, comparable to flat tires, a useless battery, operating out of gasoline and different automobile upkeep points. They will additionally administer first assist if needed.
- HERO operators patrol the metro Atlanta space clearing roadways and restoring visitors movement after crashes.
- Transfer over for first responders:
- Visitors-related incidents are a number one reason for loss of life for regulation enforcement officers. Please drive alert, get rid of all distractions and keep targeted behind the wheel.
- The Georgia Transfer-Over regulation requires all motorists to maneuver over one lane, if potential, when there’s an emergency automobile with flashing lights parked on the shoulder of the freeway. These embrace all first responders, HERO and CHAMP models and tow vehicles coping with a crash.
- If visitors doesn’t help you transfer over safely, the regulation requires motorists to decelerate to a pace beneath the posted restrict and be ready to cease.
- Designate a sober driver:
- When you plan to attend a fireworks present and devour alcohol, designate a sober driver or use various transportation choices.
- Keep in your automobile:
- Motorists ought to keep away from getting out of their autos if they’re stopped on the highway.
- Emergency help will present correct directions for drivers and passengers.
- Drive defensively:
- A rise in out-of-town drivers is anticipated for July 4th weekend. Use warning for unfamiliar motorists.
- Be alert and conscious. Decelerate and use warning approaching a automobile with hazard lights on.
- Keep a secure distance between you and the automobile forward in case it stops shortly and unexpectedly.
- Don’t drive distracted. Keep targeted on the highway for any sudden incidents.
- Make the most of the numerous journey providers of 511GA
- Earlier than you get behind the wheel, go to 511ga.org and obtain the free 511GA app in your Apple or Android machine for turn-by-turn navigation, estimated journey occasions and real-time journey speeds.
- Verify climate forecasts and real-time highway circumstances to organize for a secure arrival at your vacation spot.
- Choose Drive Mode on the 511GA app to obtain audio alerts and speak to 5-1-1 hands-free.
- Plan with My511 – Create and save routes and visitors cameras.
- Save your vacation spot route and use the step-by-step navigation instrument.
- Be alerted to highway closures, development and incidents in actual time whenever you activate My511 alerts.
- Save and think about visitors cameras alongside your drive to see present occasions on the highway.
- When you have questions on journey occasions, name 5-1-1 to talk to a stay operator 24/7.
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