GDOT opens all lanes on state roads for holiday travelers. Here’s the best time to drive
Everyone knows the feeling of sitting in traffic during the holidays, waiting endlessly for cars to clear up so they can get to a relative’s house or make it to the shopping mall for a last-second gift.
The Georgia Department of Transportation knows the feeling, too, as the agency announced Wednesday that it will open all lanes on interstates, major highways and state roads for the holidays.
Crews will open up closed lanes from 5 a.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Tuesday for the Christmas holiday, GDOT said in a news release. All lanes will be open each day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The same hours and times will also apply next weekend for the New Year’s holiday.
GDOT’s effort to improve winter travels includes lanes that were closed because of construction, which means the lanes closed on Interstate 75 between Macon and Warner Robins should be clear for Christmas. The far left lane on I-75 near the Interstate 16 split at Hardeman Avenue in Macon should also open back up.
The announcement came with a caveat, however — GDOT said some lanes that have been closed long-term for safety concerns will stay shut down regardless of holiday crowds.
Lanes closed near malls or shopping districts will also open back up, the agency said.
Along with the announcement on lanes opening up, GDOT also listed which days were lightest for travel in the state leading up to Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Wednesday and Thursday before Christmas are the two heaviest traffic days, GDOT advised, saying the weekend right before the holidays are surprisingly light on vehicles. Friday begins a better period to travel, thanks to lanes opening.
As for travel hotspots, Atlanta drivers were advised to drive carefully with heavy traffic expected. The closest hotspot to Macon is the I-75 and I-475 interchange north of Bibb County, according to GDOT.
This story was originally published December 20, 2023 at 11:27 AM.