G-DOT Suspends Lane Closures Over Thanksgiving Holiday
In order to improve traffic flow down the Interstates, the Georgia Department of Transportation is suspending lane closures on Georgia interstates, major state routes, and roads near major shopping centers, malls, or shopping districts this holiday weekend.
That’s especially good news for those of us who will be traveling south down I-85 where G-DOT crews are widening a 15-mile section of the Interstate.
The lane closure suspension begins Wednesday at 5a and runs through 10 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26.
The suspension of lane closures is part of an effort to minimize congestion and ensure a smooth travel experience for the public.
Similar restrictions will be imposed to facilitate holiday travel during Christmas and New Year’s.
While construction-related lane closures will be suspended, travelers are encouraged to remain alert.
Construction crews may still be working near highways, and certain long-term lane closures may be maintained for safety reasons.
Furthermore, incident management or emergency maintenance-related lane closures could be implemented on any route at any time.
Georgia DOT anticipates increased traffic congestion on metro Atlanta interstates from the afternoon of Monday, Nov. 20, with heavy to worse-than-normal traffic levels expected for Wednesday, Nov. 22. Motorists should exercise caution on Sunday, Nov. 26 as this day has a high potential for crashes, with post-holiday congestion occurring between 5 – 8 p.m.
If holiday travel is necessary, consider the following Thanksgiving travel forecast for metro Atlanta interstates:
- Moderate traffic on Monday, Nov. 20, and Tuesday, Nov. 21
- Heaviest traffic and congestion on Wednesday, Nov. 22 between the hours of 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Light traffic on Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24
- Moderate traffic is expected to return Saturday, Nov. 25, and Sunday, Nov. 27 as people make their way back home
- Heavy traffic and a high potential for crashes Sunday, Nov. 26