The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is preparing for a busy Independence Day travel weekend by suspending most interstate lane closures across the state to help improve traffic flow and enhance safety for motorists.
The suspension will begin at 6 a.m. on Friday, July 3, and continue through 6 a.m. on Monday, July 6. During that time, construction-related lane closures on Georgia interstates will be lifted whenever possible to reduce travel delays as thousands of residents and visitors head to holiday destinations.
Georgia DOT cautions that while most lane closures will be suspended, construction crews may still be working near roadways, and some long-term closures could remain in place for safety reasons. Emergency and incident-related lane closures may also occur if necessary.
Motorists traveling through Northwest Georgia should expect generally light congestion along Interstate 24 near Chattanooga and on Interstate 75 near the Tennessee line. Heavier traffic is expected farther south on I-75 around the Atlanta and Stockbridge areas, while moderate congestion is also forecast near Macon, Savannah, and Valdosta.
In the Atlanta metro area, drivers should anticipate typical afternoon congestion on Thursday, July 2, with heavier traffic expected Friday from noon until 8 p.m. Traffic is expected to ease on Saturday, July 4, before returning to more typical congestion Sunday and Monday afternoons.
Georgia DOT is also reminding travelers that weather can play a significant role in roadway safety. Rain increases the risk of crashes by approximately 60 percent, while temperatures above 90 degrees can lead to a 20 to 30 percent increase in road debris caused by tire failures.
Officials encourage drivers to travel defensively by maintaining safe following distances, avoiding distractions, and remaining alert for unfamiliar motorists and disabled vehicles. Drivers are also reminded to comply with Georgia’s Move Over Law by slowing down and moving over one lane, when possible, for emergency responders, Georgia DOT vehicles, utility crews, tow trucks, and HERO or CHAMP roadside assistance units stopped along the highway.
Families traveling for the holiday are urged to ensure all passengers, especially children, are properly restrained using age-appropriate car seats or booster seats.
Travelers can monitor real-time traffic conditions, incidents, construction updates, travel times, and roadway cameras through Georgia DOT’s 511 Georgia system. The free service is available by calling 511, visiting 511GA.org, or downloading the 511GA mobile app. Motorists can also request HERO assistance in metro Atlanta or CHAMP service on highways throughout much of the rest of the state.
Georgia DOT encourages everyone traveling during the Independence Day holiday to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and make safety the top priority while enjoying the long weekend.