A record-breaking 112.5 million Americans are expected to travel for the year-end holidays this year, according to the American Automobile Association.
» RELATED: Atlanta traffic jams and road conditions
And AAA and global analytics company INRIX predict 102 million folks will be hitting the roads, meaning your holiday plans have a good chance of going awry if you’re not careful.
The worst times to travel in Atlanta this Christmas
Thursday, Dec. 20, is the nation’s worst day for congestion overall, according to AAA and INRIX. But in Atlanta, the absolute worst day and time to commute is Saturday, Dec. 22 between 3-4 p.m., when drivers are likely to experience trips four times longer than normal.
But holiday congestion in metro Atlanta also depends on where exactly you’re headed, according to INRIX global communications director Mark Burfeind.
If you’re traveling via...
- Interstate 285: The worst time to drive is between 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22. (285 percent delay)
- Interstate 75 South: The worst time to drive is between 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21. (261 percent delay)
- Interstate 75 North: The worst time to drive is between 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22. (230 percent delay)
- Interstate 85 South: The worst time to drive is between 4:15-6:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20. (58 percent delay)
- U.S. 19 North: The worst time to travel is between 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19. (44 percent delay)
- Interstate 85 North: The worst time to drive is between 3:45-5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19. (20 percent delay)
» RELATED: AJC guide to holidays in Atlanta
Data compiled by traffic app Waze also warns congestion build-up on Christmas Eve usually begins around noon and only worsens as the day goes on.
Unsurprisingly, the best days to travel are on the holidays themselves. “If schedules allow, leave bright and early, or after the morning commute,” Burfeind told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The Sunday after Christmas (Dec. 30) is typically the worst post-Christmas travel day for drivers with an 87.7 percent increase in traffic jams, according to Forbes.
» For updated traffic information, listen to News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB and follow @ajcwsbtraffic on Twitter.
» RELATED: What time do stores open and close on Christmas Eve 2018?
About the Author
