Labor Day typically marks the end of Summer and many people use the long weekend as a vacation before school gets into full swing. As a result, Atlanta is a hot spot for small getaway weekends for those of us living in the 3-5 hour drive radius. However, traveling to one of those "hot-spots" over a holiday weekend has it's downside, and one of those is TRAFFIC.
For those traveling to Atlanta GA to attend the Clemson vs. Alabama game, visit the Georgia Aquarium, shop Atlanta Underground, or just get out of town over Labor Day weekend, you may find the following traffic tips might save you time, stress and money.
First thing you should know about this weekend in Atlanta is the the GA DOT is expecting heavy traffic (about 533,000 through the downtown area/normal is about 430,000) with long delays, so you might want to pack some patience as well as your walking shoes, but following some simple steps can help alleviate some of the stress and give you some valuable time to enjoy your weekend.
Tip #1 : Utilize MARTA!
Marta stations have secure parking decks with security patrolling them, so you can park away from your target location and take MARTA in. The fares are reasonable, and if you've never experienced Atlanta from MARTA, it is a really nice way to see the city without the hassle of worrying about the traffic. With Georgia DOT expecting traffic back-ups of up to two hours or more in some areas MARTA could mean the difference between seeing the whole game or arriving just past the half time show!
Tip#2 : If traveling from SC from I-85 GA DOT is urging motorists to take I-285 east to I-20 West to access GA Dome and downtown Hotels. Motorists coming into Atlanta on I-20 from any direction should stay on that course into town. If traveling from Alabama on I-85 follow signs to downtown area.
Tip#3 : Georgia DOT is conducting construction in and around Atlanta in several high traffic areas. So don't rely solely on your map. Check ahead for road closings and construction. Watch for road signs indicating that your route of travel may have to change suddenly! You can visit www.511ga.org for additional information or call 511 for updates.
Tip#4 : Safety-DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! This will be a heavy weekend for law enforcement in Atlanta. If you have never been in Atlanta over a major holiday weekend you will be shocked how many officers you will see along the interstate running radar, which brings up the next safety tip DON'T SPEED! In Atlanta it may be hard to know where the line is drawn because you certainly want to flow with traffic, and most times traffic on the interstates in and around Atlanta move at much higher rates of speed than posted. So use your good judgment here. Go with the flow not ahead or behind!
There are two events in Atlanta over Labor Day weekend that are expecting to draw in over 50,000 attendees each! This will ultimately lead to traffic congestion and thin patience but if you exercise good judgment and opt to use some of the services available to you I have no doubt that you will have a wonderful Labor Day weekend in this great Southern City!
Christy
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