Opinion Talk

By Mel

May 10, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

The worst exit is Southbound on 75/85, right past the grady curve. The two right lanes come to a complete stand still as people weave in and out of traffic trying to get onto I-20. I usually head to the far left to avoid this mess. Maybe 1 lane for 20 West and 1 lane for 20 East isn’t enough for the hundreds of thousands of cars/trucks that use I-20. Ya’think?

By paul

May 10, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

The worst exit is the Ga-400 exit off I-285 E. Traffic can back up to the Roswell entrance ramp or more, the Ga-400 exit is immediately next to the Dunwoody exit and three lanes try to merge into 1 lane.

By Ronnie

May 10, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Mel is right on. The one-lane-per-direction exit lanes are bad enough, but they are made worse by folks simultaneously trying to cross both exit lanes while entering the connector.

By Lisa

May 10, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

I agree with Mel. That 1-20 exit is awful and an accident waiting to happen.

By Kelli

May 10, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

the worst one for me is where 78 merges into 285 - it merges you right into the fast lane of 285. Not fun when you look back and see a big rig barreling toward you

By Ronnie

May 10, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

But yeah, the southbound 400/285 interchange is pretty bad, too.

By Bushwacker

May 10, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Mel, I agree that is a pain everyday because I go home that way every day. But the problem is these idiots who wait to the last minute to either get into the I-20 lanes or wait to the last minute to get out of the lanes if they are staying on 75/85.

If the State Patrol would simply have a car parked right there just past where the solid white line starts, is would either fix the problem or at least they could collect millions in traffic citations.

Do people even know tou are not suppose to switch in or out of the lanes once you are past the solid white lines???

By DAvid

May 10, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

The worst exit by FAR is 285 to I-20 west.On the west-side .It’s only 1 lane and it backs up all the way to Atlanta road.

By slim

May 10, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

285 W to 400N is pretty bad. It’s only 50 yards past the exit to Ptree Dunwoody, plus you’ve got lots of people getting on 285 at Ashford Dunwoody. Too many people needing to cram in and out of the far right lane in about 1/4 mile of distance.

By Becky

May 10, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

David, I’m with you on that one..

By pHred

May 10, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Northbound I-85 at Hamilton Mill…like playing bumper cars with the “cut-inskies”.

By shay

May 10, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

I agree with the 75/85 merging on to I-20. That’s a wreck waiting to happen.

Getting off on Panola Road heading east is bad too.

By rival

May 10, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

I-20 & I-285 on the east side.

Must’ve been designed by a Georgia Tech grad.

I-285 south exits onto I-20 westbound in the same lane that is the I-20 westbound exit to I-285.

Ree-dac-u-lous.

By LOL!

May 10, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Who cares! It’s not like the DOT will fix anything we complain about anyways.

Transplants need to learn how to drive here first. They are too indecisive and by driving too slow they impede the flow of traffic, therefore causing traffic back ups to be twice as bad.

By Traffic Guru

May 10, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

DO YOU NOTICE A PATTERN HERE?

There’s about a 12-way tie for the WORST interchange, and it’s obvious that the D.O.T. Engineers were graduates of Georgia Government Schools.

So many interchange designs lack the basic common sense that makes smooth transitions, and appear to have a lack of knowledge of traffic flow.

It’s a tribute to the skill of Georgia drivers that we don’t have 100 people killed in car wrecks every day. And if I had a dollar for every overturned tractor-trailer because of a lack of warning signs, I could buy my own radio station!

How about the BEST interchange, design-wise …. I-75 and 285 - the Cobb Cloverleaf.

Here’s the only answer - a nice, personal helicopter … or maybe working an 11:00 to 7:00 shift!

Let’s let the PRIVATE firms design the interchanges, okay?

By Driver

May 10, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

I live in Norcross, so I take Peachtree Industrial south every morning. Luckily I go east on 285 so I don’t have to deal with the constant backup of cars trying to merge onto 285 West heading downtown. It’s amazing that all these cars try to merge in at the last second instead of earlier, which would help traffic flow. Compounding the problem is the Doraville PD officer who has inevitably pulled someone over which causes everyone to slow down and take a look. What possible law could a motorist have broken? Not like anyone’s speeding at that hour, lol. Expired tags, maybe? Gotta keep the revenue going, I guess! Anyway, I digress…

By Grant Parker

May 10, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

I vote with Mel, whose entry is the first atop this blog. No one who has ever tried to negotiate the Grady curve exits leading onto I-20 during rush hour is likely to forget it — the weaving traffic, the standstills and sudden stops, the pervasive confusion. Compounding the misery are the drivers who are passing through the city, usually on their way to Florida, who are unfamiliar with the exits. Did I mention the trucks that should have taken I-285 around the city?

By Diane

May 10, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

I agree with David - it’s definitely the I-285 to I-20 on the west side. Traffic backs up for miles, and the idiots who don’t want to get in the back of the line thinking they can merge closer to the front, slow down in the second lane or come to a complete stop waiting for someone to let them in. I’ve had to slam on my brakes more than once to keep from hitting some fool who’s sitting still with his blinker on. I’m surprised there aren’t more chain reaction accidents there.

By G354ME

May 10, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

My vote goes to the I75/85S ramps to I-20 as pointed out by Mel. You basically have 2 on ramps from downtown merging with 2 off ramps to MLK and the I20’s. Actually I prefer this situation when it backs up because it gives people time to think before they change lanes, but I have been amazed there hasn’t been more accidents and fatalities in the non-busier times since the exit is just as bad, only at 60mph plus. A close second would be David’s suggestion, it is a pain and really backs up and i wouldn’t call it safe, but it isn’t nearly as dangerous as my first pick. Besides I usually can get off at Hugh Howell (old bankhead) and turn on Fulton Industrial as a alternate or if it is really bad get in the left lanes and exit at MLK and take that to FI.

By Kay

May 10, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Kelli, You are right on with that 78 to 285, its like when you where a kid jumping rope waiting for your chance to jump in.

By PinkSherbert

May 10, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

In my 18 years in Atlanta, the worst exit by far is 85S @ Union City/Shannon Mall/138 exit. In the last 2 months I’ve been taking this route, I’ve been “almost” slammed in the rear at least 5 times. And everytime the fool has to swerve onto the shoulder. Many serious accidents have happened here, the FOX News reporter Doug Evans was injured at this exit.

Traffic just backs up in the right lane on 85…DOT needs to do something about it.

By CJ

May 10, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Worst intersections: GA400N to 285E - this exit dumps onto 285 with no lane for merging and within a few feet another entrance ramp dumps just ahead.

75/85S to 75N - This area has people from Buford Highway trying to enter the connector and people from 75/85 trying to exit to 75N. Always a problem.

I agree with Slim - 285W to 400N - People seem so shocked and confused that one lane is for 400N and another is for 400S. The 400S lane gets backed up due to people who aren’t paying attention trying to get to 400N at the last minute.

Grand Prize Winner 400S to Sidney Marcus Blvd. - The jerks who drive in the emergency lane for a half mile+ make exiting here difficult. They need to wait in line with the rest of traffic - they are nobody special!

By Ray

May 10, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

I have to go with Paul. The 400 exit from 285 in awful. I have not been on the westside of Atlanta in a longtime but ANY single lane exit or entrance that involves merging is bad. As for the exit to 400; dealing with Ashford-Dunwoody, Peachtree-Dunwoody, and 400 traffic all within less than 100 yards is ridiculous. The road planers must have been smoking crack that day.

By jbean3

May 10, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

The highways are the worse — no matter which one you are on or what time of day. Even the neighborhood streets are becoming bad. And don’t let the DOT start construction.

But, what gets me are the people who drive these highways everyday, are driving in the left lane, and realize AT THE LAST MINUTE, that their exit is next and cross 4-5 LANES OF TRAFFIC!!!! That is why there are accidents EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!

By Curious Observer

May 10, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Register one vote for the I-285W-to-GA 400 interchange. Traffic comes pouring off Ashford-Dunwoody onto an exit-only lane and try to merge left. Drivers on 285W are trying move from the left to get into the exit-only lane. Only a sadist could have designed this mess.

By Weary

May 10, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

Mel’s choice of southbound connector at the Grady curve with multiple entrance points and the I-20 exit ramps is definitely at the top of the list. A close second is the GA 400 southbound exit onto I-85….I get to enjoy both of these maddening merges on my daily commute…no helicopter for me but I’m thinking about putting a motor home in the parking deck at work.

By KB

May 10, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

I agree with Mel also but there is another that I try to avoid. I-20 W ramp exiting at Moreland…there is not a traffic light so if you are trying to turn left onto Moreland you might as well forget it. With all the trucks and buses speeding by it’s like playing russian roulette.

By TD

May 10, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

I-285 N/S at Old National Hwy gets extremely congested in both directions during the evening rush-hour.

By pay

May 10, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Try going southbound on GA-400 to I-285 west anytime after 400pm and you will sit in an 1-1 1/2 mile long line of those waiting on the 1 lane to merge onto 285 or keep the traffic nightmare going: drive right up to the actual exit ramp and just cut off the 1 1/2 mile long line of cars because you are special and don’t have to wait to cause an accident.

By Weary

May 10, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Mel’s choice of southbound connector at the Grady curve with multiple entrance points and the I-20 exit ramps is definitely at the top of the list. A close second is the GA 400 southbound exit onto I-85….I get to enjoy both of these maddening merges on my daily commute…no helicopter for me but I’m thinking about putting a motor home in the parking deck at work.

By stuck in traffic

May 10, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Georgia 400 exit 12 is the worst, because DOT spent a fortune to add 2 lanes to GA 400 and the idiots at DOT made it go to two lanes prior the westbound exit at exit 12. We paid for the pavement to do it, but our governor and DOT are too stupid to make use of the pavement that we paid to put in. Traffic could be reduced by simply allowing the dedicated lane for east bound traffic at exit 12 to be used by west bound traffic at exit 12. The only solution is to vote for anybody but our current politicians.

By rch

May 10, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

It is the one I am on that particular time and day!

By Patrick

May 10, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

I-285 Southbound to I-20 Westbound on the West side. It backs up traffic all the way back to South Cobb Drive.

By I HATE OUT OF TOWN DRIVERS

May 10, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

The Downtown Connector, northbound, at the Brookwood Interchange.

Stay right to go northeast, stay left to go northwest, and keep in the HOV lane to go either direction.

The dipsh1ts from out of town can’t figure it out, so there’s always some idiot from Florida, Michigan, Indiana, etc. swerving across traffic.

By John

May 10, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

My vote goes to I-75 south from Howell Mill Rd, especially if you have to get to I-85 north. You have about 1/4 of a mile to merge over 4 lanes in heavy traffic.

My other vote is for Windy Hill Rd from either 75N or 285W. Not only is the exit confusing, but there’s heavy traffic on a constant basis there.

By Dave

May 10, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

285 West to 400 N. Just this morning someone in 400 North almost ran me off the road while trying to merge into the left lane.

By Tina

May 10, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

BY FAR THE WORST EXIT IS HWY 78 MERGING ONTO 285. YOU HAVE TO ENTER FROM THE LEFT AND YOU HAD BETTER BE HAULING A— BECAUSE YOU MERGE RIGHT INTO THE FAST LANE. DON’T HAVE A SMALL CAR OR YOU WILL GET MOWED DOWN. I MAKE SURE I AM IN MY AVALANCHE AND ENGAGE ALL 8 CYLINDERS.

By Paul A.

May 10, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Ga 400 and 285. There is no other interesction I can think of that’s worse in this town. The downtown connector is a piece of cake compared with this area.

The siuation is exacerbated by inconsiderate and rude drivers who don’t wait in line for the exit like the rest of us. They’ll drive all the way down the highway up to the ramp and then cut over onto the exit right in front of all the other cars who waited patiently. This results in a backup that can take 45 minutes to go 2 miles.

More than once I’ve seen people refuse to let these RUDE JERKS get in front of them resulting in cars almost being run off the road. In my opinion those inconsiderate drivers deserve to end up in the ditch!!!!!!!!

If the Georgia State Patrol or Sandy Springs police would hide-out there and issue $100 tickets to those jerks the problem would disappear overnight.

If you try to cut in front of me I WILL NOT LET YOU IN! Wait in line just like the rest of us!

By scooter11

May 10, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

How about the exit to 400 off of I-85 southbound? Oh, wait - there isn’t one. Idiots.

By I like to drive

May 10, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Well if Governor Perdue and our other elected officials would fund our State Troopers, we would have more of them on the road ensuring that idiots would not use the emergency lanes as exits, cross over solid white lines, use the HOV lanes with a single person in their car and so on. We also need better signage letting drivers know that they are approaching exits. The I-20 exit off the Grady curve is a perfect example of this… it is terribly confusing. And while I agree that locals need to learn to drive better, visitors passing through Atlanta are not familiar with are confusing highway system that was apparently designed by a chimp in a lab.

By Elizabeth

May 10, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

My vote is for I-75/85 southbound merging onto I-20.

And for those who would complain about indecisive newcomers being a problem—they wouldn’t be a problem if the interstates had better, safer design features.

By Renee

May 10, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

2 bad ones in Cobb County: the exit ramp from Cobb Pkwy/Hwy 41 onto 285 Southbound. The ramp is short, the view is limited and cars are flying on 285. Next is the exit ramp from Windy Hill onto 75S/285W. Same problem - high speeds, short ramp with limited visibility.

By gttim

May 10, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

400 and Northridge has to be the worst designed interchange of all time.

By atldriver

May 10, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

There are two which scare me. Exiting from Hwy 78 coming from Stone Mountain on to I-285, this is a total nightmare. People will not slow down or get over to allow you to merge into traffic. The exit is not even a foot long. Horrible. The second is coming from I-675 onto I-285 going East. Again a total nightmare because the exit lane ends at Bouldercrest. Those huge semis coming from Moreland Ave, horrific. Something needs to be done to address both areas.

By djay

May 10, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

I-285 EB (top end perimeter) to I-85NB. In fact, Spaghetti Junction is a mess in general.

If headed EB on I-285 between Peachtree Industrial and Chamblee-Tucker, all of those entrances/exits are out of order. At rush hour, it easily takes 20 minutes to go this 2-3 mile stretch.

On I-285E AT the Junction, traffic is DUMPED in from 85NB, 85SB, and Chamblee-Tucker. Once you get to Lawrenceville Highway and Highway 78, traffic merges onto the freeway from BOTH sides. ?????

By Ashley

May 10, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Sidney-Marcus for me.

It’s really bad when it’s backed up to Lenox and then Lenox gets packed also

By slim

May 10, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

I agree with some others: I will NOT let some jerk cut in front of me when I’ve been waiting patiently at an exit. If you got in the wrong lane, then tough sh1t! you can go to the next exit and get off there. Especially the jerks that get in those right lanes when they know the ‘right lane ends’ in another 50 yards or so.

One caveat: I was on 85 South near beaver ruin a few months ago when a bus was on fire and blocking half the highway. So I and a few others got in the emergency lane so we could get off at the next exit. Some tremendous jerk then gets in the emergency lane and drives 8 mph (with no one in front of her) for the next mile and a half, blocking all of us. Under such an emergency circumstance, you’d have to be an idiot not to use emergency lane (assuming you want to get off at the next exit), or a tremendous jerk to block people from getting off the highway just because you are not getting off at the next exit.

By Jeremy

May 10, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Hwy 20 and I-85…what kind of an idiot designs something where those wishing to go west bound on Hwy 20 have to get over to the right, while those getting on I-85 have to get over to the left?

By Dee

May 10, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Doug Evans was injured at the Fairburn/Peachtree City exit which I vote as being among the worst. The Union City exit is awful too and I almost have been rear ended at the exit ramp. I mainly find street routes now because the highway traffic can be deadly. I would rather get up a little earlier and leave a little later than deal with how messed up Atlanta traffic can be. Remember, it is not the DOT, it is the drivers who either wake up late or just want to get some place in a hurry that causes all of the backups, accidents, etc

By Steve

May 10, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

I think their are two that are tied; Southbound connector at Williams and 400S to 285 east & west. The last due to the on ramp from Abernathy.

By silver

May 10, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

The city of Atlanta does little to nothing to improve traffic flow onto and off of the downtown connector. It all goes back to that racist mayor Manard (Jubba the Hut) Jackson, who turned off the street lights on the interstates, because as he put it - I am not paying to light the streets for the white commuters from Cobb county -. He and the city of Atlanta lost my support at that point, and no one has done a thing to earn that support back in the decade and a half since.

By nikki

May 10, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

The worst for me would be pleasant hill from i85, since a nut case with road rage tried to kill us on this ramp.

By T

May 10, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

I hate the Windy Hill Rd exit from 75N - cars crossing each other - its crazy. Always someone at the top of the exit with one of the recylced signs asking for something.

By Scalia

May 10, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

And coming off of Freedom Pkwy and trying to get on 75/85 and are in the exit lanes for 20E and 20W. It is awful trying to get over. The traffic coming down 75/85 is speeding, too. It is a disaster.

285N at 400 exit is a disaster. Why did those idiots put one lane going south and one going north?

Also Buckhead loop. Sweet Jesus, if you are trying to get to Lenox Mall, you are screwed. There is only one lane going to Lenox Rd., and the other is turning onto Peachtree. Just terrible.

By TechWreck

May 10, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

How about an on-ramp? The exit to go from Windy Hill Road to I-285 WB is particularly heinous. It goes around a curve full of high shrubbery just to dump you into the faster of two lanes dumping from I-75 southbound onto I-285 WB. Very poor design, indeed! That’s why you see so many car parts there.

By Grady Curve

May 10, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

I agree with Mel, that 75/85S merge to i20 is the worst. You’ve got people trying to exit for 20 East and West, then the exit for MLK along with people trying to merge to take 75/85 south out of the city then add Braves traffic also exiting there. To add to the problem it looks like every woman in Dekalb has to talk on the phone while trying to weave between lanes and make the I20 East exit, is there some mandatory law in Dekalb that you must talk on the phone and not pay attention???

By MaryKay

May 10, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Instead of talking about the things wrong with the interstates, let’s give a hand to courteous, patient drivers who keep up with the flow cautiously and are considerate to the person in front and behind them. THANK YOU!!!

By Ray

May 10, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

I think both the exit off 75/85 southbound to I-20, and the exit off I-285 southbound to I-20 westbound, on the westside are the worst traffic I have ever been in. Sometimes, it is so bad that I take I-285 southbound on the east side just to avoid it all. The City/State/Federal department that is responsible for this mess should do something.

By Atlanta Hawks #1 Fan

May 10, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

The exit for 85 and 316 going to Athens but the DOT is in the process of fixing it along with the entrance to 85 from 316 and exiting off at Pleasanthill RD. You have to be a race car driver to manipulate 5 lanes to exit.

RICH GUYS TROPHY WIFE SPEED DATING

By SublimePrince32

May 10, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

The worst exit for me pretty much any given day is the Wesley Chapel road exit going I-20 east. It’s been the worst even before the improvements.

Thanks!

By Anit-Traffic

May 10, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

GA DOT HAVE NOT CHANGE THIS I-285 AFTER ALL THE YEARS OF COMPLAINTS, AND THEY ARE NOT LISTENING NOW!!!

By Becky

May 10, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Mary Kay, that’s a great thought, but where do you find courteous drivers at? Slim, I agree with you on that one. I hate that coming infrom Douglasville in the morning..Right past Thornton Rd. people start going around others in the right hand lane. I don’t let them in in front of me, except those that will actually hit you..

By ADL

May 10, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

All the exits are bad and made much worse by those who wait until the last minute to cut into the turn lane. You are no better than the rest of us. Wait your turn!!!!

By Dianna

May 10, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

I vote for the I-75/85/20/Grady exit. One day my husband became sick downtown and was taken to Grady. The only way to get him and his truck home at 10:30 p.m. was to make my 16 year old son drive my car home from Grady. He thought he was going to die. If I had remembered what it was like when you get on 75/85 South at Grady with everyone else going haywire, I’d have driven the back roads home.

By MrLiberty

May 10, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

No, instead of complaining about awful offramps, lets get right down and blame the government organization that is responsible for SO MANY - the completely worthless DOT !

From the looks of this blog there are probably only a handful of offramps that haven’t been mentioned. It took the deaths of 7 people to finally get the feds in here to investigate the completely crappy design of that one offramp. Too bad they didn’t just stick around for a few months and look at all of them. Maybe then some heads would roll.

Instead, expect more money, more money, more money, and more failure from the bunch.

Scoff if you will because you have never seen them in use, but privately owned, operated, and maintained highways exist all over this planet. They are better constructed, better maintained, and more responsive to driver needs and safety than anything government can produce.

When the best the DOT can offer as a defense is “this offramp was built to meet federal standards,” then it is no surprise that all of us find so many problems as we drive around this city.

By Road Scholar

May 10, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Many of the exit/freeway sections that have been named above are difficult. Remeber, most of these were designed and constructed many years ago based on 20 year traffic projections. SR 400 for instance had an initial estimated volume of 60,000 veh/day in 1990 and when it openned it only had 45,000 v/d. The AJC and the public wanted to know how was the toll to be paid off and worried that it would go bankrupt/default. After a few months the volume exceeded 60,000 and right after the Olympics, it exceeded the 2010 estimated volume of 100,000 v/d. It now carries apprximately 130,000 v/d.

The growth of the metro area has exceeded all estimates,and this coupled with scarce funds for improvements has worsened our drive time. During the Olympics the peak hours were spread out by commuters staggering their normal work hours in Atlanta, but now everyone leaves for or from work at nearly the same time. Of course everyone has to drive alone also.

I know my comments above will bring out the “the revenue from tolls should have paid off SR 400 years ago” crowd. The start up and operating costs for the Toll plaza exceeded the estimates made in the business model. The land purchased (bad move) on Northside Drive is for sale and the tolls are scheduled to be paid off by 2010 as originally proposed.

The northern ramps for SR 400 at I 85 were designed not to be precluded, but not included in the construction due to costs and politics…mainly politics. They are proposed in the regional transportation plan for future implementation. Unfortunately the volumes on I 85 (as well as all Interstates) have grown so large (I 75/I 85 at Brookwood has nearly 300,000 V/D for instance) that major expansion would severly impact the adjacent area since land required for expansion has developed. Also the NIMBY syndrone (Not In My Back Yard) and the BANANA syndrone (Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything) has made most widening projects (Interstates, Arterials, and collectors) nearly impossible politically.

Atlanta does not have the density of development yet that would make rail a cost effective option. BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) is being designed into the HOV Strategic Plan as evidenced in the I 75/I575 corridors, and possibly in the I 285 northern portion. The most recent cost estimate for I 75 /I 575 from I 285 to north of the Cobb and Cherokee line is $4 BILLION.

Regardless of mode, funding is at issue.While revenue has grown, it hasn’t kept pace with inflation and demand. While the GDOT budget is about $2 billion statewide per year, interchange projects now cost nearly $200 million each due to right of way and construction costs. That doesn’t get things done, let alone quick enough.

People think that driving is a right and transportation is free/cheap.The right to drive should be earned, and transportation is not free. and, by the way, GDOT is concerned about your mobility, SAFETY, and your opinions concerning needed improvements.

By anonymous

May 10, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

That’s why I live in Augusta. Very few traffic jams here

By WW3

May 10, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

WE NEED TO RETHINK HOW/WHEN HOV LANES ARE USED AND EDUCATE DRIVERS ABOUT NOT CROSSING THE DOUBLE WHITE LINES

By Shannon

May 10, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

IMO, they’re all bad in one form or another, especially when you’re sitting on one during rush hour and not moving!

By vick Bhatia

May 10, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

Just the Roads on Monroe and Piedmont are horrible. I am pretty sure they have ruined my alignment. Can we send a bill to the state?

vick.junk2@gmail.com

By Tom

May 10, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Exit #61 on I-85 South. The problem at this exit is totally caused by ignorant motorists who refuse to get into the exit lane until they get right up to the exit ramp and then they just cut over in front of the rest of us who have been patiently waiting in line. The result is numerous needless wrecks involving innocent motorists.

By Tanya

May 10, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Kelli, I must agree with you! That scared the mess out of me!! Truck lights in my mirror and up close and persoanl!! No fun at all! There was no warning that this was about to happen!!

By Goodgrief

May 10, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

God after reading all these nightmares, I guess I need to count my blessings that I am only 5 miles from home to work in the city and don’t have to get on the hwy.

By Maxine

May 10, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

The worst for me would be 316 merging onto 85S between 7 to 8:30 AM, especially if you are trying to get off at Pleasant Hill.

By Kitty

May 10, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

What about the entrance ramp from Lindbergh Drive to 85 North? It’s a short ramp, so you have no time to build up any speed before being dumped right into the HOV lane, so you’re forced to maneuver like crazy to merge to the RIGHT to get out of the HOV lane – but you’re forced to merge into the FAST lane to escape the HOV lane!! It’s impossible to make this maneuver with any degree of safety when at best you’re doing 45 or 50 and the cars on 85 are all going 75 – 80. It’s insane and incredibly dangerous …

By Shawny

May 10, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

In the afternoon, it is 400S getting onto 285, either way. Westbound backs up past Abernathy. Idiots waiting to the last minute to get in line clog up the Eastbound ramp. There needs to be more throughput going Westbound. Another lane…longer lanes, etc.

By Tim Duncan

May 10, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

The worst exit is 285 East to 400 North/South in the evenings.

Why?

Because everyone is trying to go 400 North and it blocks the empty lane heading onto 400 South! Truly sucks for the 400 South people.

By Cheryl Richards

May 10, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

The worst exit ramp is 75/85/south at the State Capitol MLKJR.Drive/Turner Field - exit only. If you are trying to get on the highway you fight individuals trying to get to the exit only I 20 East and West exit. They will not let you get on the highway. People think you are trying to beat them to the east or west exit. I live in Riverdale. If you are trying to get off at the State Captiol exit they won’t let you over. Those three lanes are guarded as though they were new born children. The person who designed the exit ramps off the highway should have been treated for a mental disorder.

By Mike

May 10, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

I have to deal with the Howell Mill to 75S to 85N mess every morning, but I REALLY hate the Lenox Road exit from 400 - it can take a half an hour to get from 400 over to Piedmont in the afternoon, and the cops they have directing traffic make it WORSE!

By Capt

May 10, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

I work rescue in DeKalb County. Check the number of times there have been tractor trailer overturns on the ramp from 285 SB to I20 EB. Last count I saw that covered over 20 years was around 1400….Geez get a clue…maybe some repair work or expansion is needed….ya think?

By aaron

May 10, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

The worst is 400 south getting onto Sydney Marcus to get to 85 North and from 85 south to get onto 400. Why in the world can the state not connect those two major highways so people do not have to clog S Marcus, Lenox, and Cheshire Bridge? It is rediculous. Perhaps the stupidest planning in Atlanta.

By *

May 10, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

The I-75S HOV exit to Northside Drive.

Please work on the Dunwoody Place/Roswell Road intersection that’s been under construction for 1 year now.

By Ga Liberal

May 10, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Exit 7A off 400. All these boneheads stop at the top of the ramp waiting for traffic to clear when there is an open lane right off the ramp. Also, it is too narrow for large trucks and semis so they have to cross into the active traffic to make the turn. Whenever they stop for traffic, it bottles up the entire exit ramp. I’ve seen traffic backup down the ramp, into the exit lane and onto 400 back to the bridge. There is plenty of land to widen the exit ramp to two lanes; one for thru traffic and one for traffic needing to turn left. I guess someone will have to die there before it gets any attention.

By Atl

May 10, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

There are two worst eixt. That is 258 off Old National and 285 off 85 North. Those are the two worst exit. Those curves are VERY SCARY.I hate to see a back up.

By CJ

May 10, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

I agree with the comments on 400S to 285E or 285W. The people from Abernathy trying to go 400S and not 285 are SOL as they navigate through the line.

Also, to the woman in the Subaru Outback wagon going 400N about 7:45am this morning… why the heck did you squeeze your car in front of me when there was less than 2 car lengths between me and the other driver? Wasn’t it fun to have to slam on your brakes immediately thereafter because you were tailgating them? Get a clue, woman! If traffic is backed up in all 3 lanes, cutting in front of 1 car will not make a dime’s bit of difference!

By Syd

May 10, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

So LOL, you can tell who is a transplant how? Do they have a big “T” on their forhead? My guess is it is people like you who tailgate and are constantly changing lanes without signaling.

By hatejuice

May 10, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

If people would drive when the light turns green instead of stargazing at it the traffic on the exits would not be as bad.

By Art

May 10, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

The worst is I-575S exiting to Barrett Pkwy. Traffic backs up on to the interstate due to the ineffiecient design by the inept DOT. The problem would be ealily rectified, but DOT has no interest in promoting optimal traffic flow (as demonstrated by the lack of traffic light synchronization).

By LOL

May 10, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Hey SLIM,

Bet ya’ it was a clueless transplant or a Grandma that shouldn’t be on the road anyways!!!

By Leigh

May 10, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

Okay, so its not a ramp, but one complaint I have is the intersection of Peachtree Road & The Buckhead Loop … that is if you’re coming from 400 towards Lenox Square and then turning left onto Peachtree … what is the deal with that light??? The turn light now lasts all of about 10 seconds.

By Joeventures

May 10, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

The interstates should not have been built in the first place, especially the interstates that plow through the intown areas. The DOT created this problem we have today, and they can fix it by getting rid of the interstates and moving back to a grid system.

By Paul A.

May 10, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Oh god… here I go. Ga400south to 285west. I leave at 4:50pm. I MIGHT be on 285 by 5:45. That’s about an hour to travel 1.5 miles.

IF YOU TRY TO CUT IN FRONT OF ME AT THE EXIT RAMP I WILL RUN YOU OFF THE ROAD AND INTO THE DITCH!

Wait in line like the rest of us!!!!!!!!!!!

By Bill Elliott

May 10, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Driving in Atlanta is like a NASCAR race. Your best option is to go with the flow of the pack. Don’t be that idiot that is leading the pack, driving too slow, blocking other people from passing you. Eventually, you WILL get dumped out of the way. And if you are on a 2 lane each way road, DO NOT drive at the same pace as the car next to you, especially if you are in the left lane! You are blocking people and irritating them, and eventually you WILL BE DUMPED!

By don

May 10, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

All of the above! And probably all to follow! Driving in ATL really sux!

By silver

May 10, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

If Sonny really cared about us commuters, he would put on his purty pink panties, and go to the Williams Street exit, and direct traffic in the Mornings from 7-9 and in the evening from 4-6. Just wear the purty pink panties, Sonny, we promise not to run you down.

By Ashley

May 10, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

400 South to 85 South at 5 pm… Oh and also 400N Northridge exit during rush hour.

By imaNATIVE

May 10, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

There are no bad ramps, just bad drivers.

By Shar

May 10, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

Off or on the 85 spur at Monroe Drive. The exit and entrance areas are very short and are shared by people getting on and off the highway, with other cars flying by to the driver’s left and no room for error. Both of my teenage driver children were forced off the road at this point - it really is a dance with disater every time.

By Minivanmom

May 10, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

They are all bad. But recently where we live Hwy 92 meets 75 and they are clearing 91 acres for a commercial use. This involves widening the exit ramps. So when you start off ramp into the Shaw Carpet trucks going 100mph you see a sign that says “Short merge.” It should say “No merge - make your peace with God now!” There is absolutely no place to go if you come off that ramp and the trucks refuse to move over. The shoulder is blocked with orange cones, which admittedly seem better than being squashed like a grape. I wonder whose brilliant DOT idea this was, obviously someone who hates the people of Acworth. It won’t be long before our population is reduced just going to the mall. One day I fearlessly looked back in the “short merge, no merge, non-existent” lane. I saw no orange cones behind us signaling to those in the right lane that soon innocent human beings would soon be merging…right into their lane. Perhaps there are more efficent ways to control population growth. We would be better off just having cars jump the bridge and landing randomly into the traffic. The kill rate would be lower than the shock 2 drivers suffer seeing 2 cars and one lane suddenly. At least one would know they approaching a dangerous situation. Gooolly.

By Meaghan

May 10, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

It makes me sad that the first four exit ramps named are all four that I use on a weekly basis! Apparently I am just lucky…

By Aquagirl

May 10, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

Minivanmom, at least you provided us with some laughs before your untimely demise.

By Southernyankee

May 10, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this

Apparently, I hadn’t realized how truly unnerving Atlanta traffic was until reading these posts. I have been laughing uncontrollably and yet I know that EVERY story is true. Minivanmom, you hit it right on the head; “Drive in Atlanta….make peace with your God!” I switched to GRTA’s Express because I literally cried every night on my way home! I now nap during my morning and afternoon commute. Occasionally I look out of the window at the poor souls stuck with no hope of moving.
P.S. I recommend the following warning be displayed every few seconds on the electronic traffic monitor signs: “Warning: Driving in Atlanta has been known to cause serious injury and death. Drive at your own risk.”

By Atlantacommuter

May 10, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

400 south from Windward, first the Holcombe Bridge exit why is there only one lane to exit where most commuter are turning right and left turners have to wait in the one lane to squeeze by to the left turn lane which backs up 400 southbound @ Holcombe. Then Northridge exit drivers have become smart and use the shoulder lane to exit now, then you have to deal with the interchange of 400/285W one lane which backs up 400, then you deal with the massive backups starting at Lennox road all the way to the merge to 85/75. Come on DOT widen these exits ramps to two lanes, widen 85/75 20/W exit to two lanes will greatly increase the flow of traffic for SB 85/75 traffic which starts at the 400 interchange. Its very simple solutions .

By Shawnne

May 10, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

The worst exit is the I20 East exit onto 285 North. It is on a hill and tractor trailers come down that hill and I always feel like I will get slammed in the rear because traffic is at a complete stop. I’d rather use MLK to get on to 285. When I drive past the exit I drive in the far left lane so I dont hit the people who wait until the last minute to merge.

By mal

May 11, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

the worst exit is all of em because everyone is on the phone not paying attention until its too late.

By Katie

May 11, 2007 6:20 AM | Link to this

I’d say any off ramp or on ramp is dangerous here. I’ve seen the worst drivers in the Atl area, people can’t merge properly and they exit from the fast lane. You are being risky just being behind the wheel.

By Patrick

May 11, 2007 7:21 AM | Link to this

I agree with others here about the Grady Curve going southbound on I-85/I-75. It takes about 10 to 20 minutes on a good day to go from Grady Memorial to I-20 WB. Someone said that’s an accident waiting to happen…there have been accidents there. I’ve seen them. At least once a month.

Another bad exit is I-20 WB at Wesley Chapel. That exit needs a major overhaul. Whoever designed that exit should be forced to get off at that exit every day to work. There have been several accidents there.

By Patrick

May 11, 2007 7:25 AM | Link to this

Another bad exit is I-85 SB at GA 400, and GA 400 at I-85 SB. It takes anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes to get from 400 to I-75 on I-85, and from the 400 exit to I-75 on I-85.

By Ron

May 11, 2007 7:26 AM | Link to this

All ramps around the interstates and 285 are bad but torable the real ptoblems are the interstate truckers. THE STATE OF GA NEEDS TO BUILD ANOTHER OUTER BELTWAY AROUND ATLANTA (MAYBE FOR TRUCKERS ONLY OR MAYBE 2 LANES FOR TRUCKS ONLY AND 2 LANES FOR THE LOCALS)

By KB

May 11, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this

mmmmmm…. spaghetti

By NoMoMinivans

May 11, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

If you are behind a minivan and/or a driver talking on a cellphone, you are THEN on the WORST exit ramp in Atlanta.

Minivan Driver = Dumb@$$

Cellphone-Talking Driver = Dumb@$$

Cellphone-Talking, Minivan Driver = SUPER DUMB@$$

By AeroNautica0909

May 12, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

This is where Georgia politicians need to start working on mass transit. I agree with Road Scholar but it is about time, regardless of how much density the Atlanta metropolitan area has, to start pricing in the future. We are hanging ourselves by the rope by not introducing one unified transportation system for the metro area counties. This must include a rail lines that serve all municipalities in the Metro and then converge all in Downtown Atlanta. On top of that, there needs to be bus lines that go all over the metro and converge in a bus terminal in Downtown Atlanta for easy access. This will remove cars off the road- then we won’t have to waste so much money on useless highway expansions that will ultimately make the problem worse.

By PJ

May 14, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

I ride the train. It’s pretty easy and low-stress.

By Brenda Jackson

May 17, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

After reading all of the comments about the worst exit ramps, I’m glad my commute from downtown Atlanta to South Fulton is like smooth sailing. We don’t have those headaches.

By Brenda Jackson

May 17, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

After reading all of the comments about the worst exit ramps, I’m glad my commute from downtown Atlanta to South Fulton is like smooth sailing. We don’t have those headaches.

By Tanya

May 18, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

How about this one…Where 400 South to 85 North? You are on the freeway, and have to exit completely at Sidney Marcus, then make your way over to Buford Hwy (I think) in tons and tons of thick traffic before you can sit in more traffic and wait to get on 85 North. Now that is way past retarded, if you ask me. SB400 shouldn’t even have a sign for 85 North if you have to go through all of that madness.

By Natasha

May 22, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

All my top choices have been covered, especially the 75/85 to 20 exchange, but no one has mentioned the HOV lanes with no exits so you have to cross over 4-5 lanes of traffic to get off the freeway if you aren’t going into town.

By william

May 24, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this

Folks, there is a cancer growing in America’s society and it is money and power. This is very noticeable if one just stops, looks, and listens. The elite, rich, and powerful individuals, corporations, and a collaboration of industry and other organizations and institutions have bought the United States Government, and are attempting to install an oligarchy form of government in which a few persons hold the ruling power. The cost of gasoline keeps climbing higher as vaction time approches. Most Americans expect that gas prices will be at or above $4 dollars by years end. It will cost some Americans who are at the lower end of the wage scale (mimium wage) a day and a half to fill up their tanks. Most of these people make only $5.15 per hour and simplely cannot afford gas at these prices. Meanwhile, Exxon Mobil reported this year the largest annual profit of any U.S. company ever, $39.5 billion. That folks is #75,000 dollars a minute in profits. The Gas and Oil industries donated to the Bush Presidential campaign in 2004 two and one half million dollars, and this was from just the Oil and Gas industry spending on and to one person. The Pharmaceutical Industry has given millions to the Republican President and members of Congress in return for a secured industry-friendly changes to landmark drug safety Bill, according to public records and interviews. The Bill grants the Food and Drug Administration broad new athority to moniter the safety of drugs after they are approved. The U.S. Senate allow the drug Vioxx to stay on the market for years after signs that it could cause heart attack. “It is not that money buys votes”, said Senator Bernie Sanders I-VT., the lone vote against the bill “ but you have a cultture in which big money has significant influnce. Big money gains you access, access gives you the time to influnce people”. The pharmaceutical companies spent $ 855 million dollars more money on lobbying than any other single industry from the year 1998 to 2006 according to the non-partisan Center for Public Integrity. In the Defense Industry alone the Republican party and it’s candidates recieved $9,996,874 dollars or 62% of the donations handed out by the different organations in the Defense Industry during the 2005-2006 year election cycle and was released by the Federal Election Commission on Monday, February 19, 2007, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Corporate donors from the Defense Industry have seen a high return on their campaign contributions and have seen exponential growth. These have not been proportional returns, as the top contribution have not in all instances been the companies to be awarded the most contracts. The Defense Industry in general has enjoyed unprecedented growth during the Bush administration, and much appears to be linked to former Republicans and Defense officials involved in both the Pentagon and private companies. The Republicans are doing their best to get a lock on political power. After the reorganization of political thought that culminated with the “contract on America” in the mid 90’s the Republicans captured a majority in both houses of Congress. The way they did it was hitching the imcumbency to the wealth of industries and conservative churches via K street, and by using other despotic and anti-democrary tactic, These tactic let lobbying budgets blind legislators to the real needs in our country and eventually made some of them blind even to the difference between a bribe and a legal favor, with the false assumption that “anything goes” as long as money goes into the campaign fund. The Republicans out spent their opponents in most of all the recent elections. They are back at this facade again, lining up their ducks in a row and counting all the feathers. Are Americans going to fall far this luncy once more. If they do it may be a long long time before they will ever vote again. William in Alabama