Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

Thanksgiving day traffic has already begun

Atlantans can expect traffic delays leading into the Thanksgiving holiday. JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM
Atlantans can expect traffic delays leading into the Thanksgiving holiday. JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM
By Raisa Habersham
Nov 22, 2016

Thanksgiving Day traffic has already started for metro Atlantans.

Tuesday’s lunchtime traffic was already swamped with delays along the Downtown Connector and continued into rush hour.

The Georgia Department of Transportation suspended construction-related lane closures from 5 a.m. Wednesday to 10 p.m. Sunday, but that may not do much to ease traffic.

Travel times are expected to be at their worst between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday, according to transportation app Waze. GDOT recently partnered with the company to provide real-time crash reports.

» You've been warned: The worst times to drive in Atlanta this Thanksgiving

An estimated 48.7 million Americans are expected to travel during the season. Much of the traffic could clear out just before Thursday.

“There shouldn’t be too many people on the roads because some have already left,” GDOT spokesman Drew Belk said. “It shouldn’t be too crazy during the (holiday).”

Thursday, Friday and Saturday are expected to be good travel days. Drivers should expect noon to 7 p.m. Sunday to be the worst time to head back home.

The app recommends Monday as a day for travel.

Remember to check drive times online at GDOT’s website: 511ga.org.

About the Author

Raisa Habersham is the Intown Atlanta hyperlocal reporter for The Atlanta-Journal Constitution.

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