TRAFFIC UPDATE: Volume, minor accidents creating major delays

[Update 4 p.m.] A variety of minor accidents around the metro Atlanta area has slowed traffic to a crawl at major chokepoints on the city’s interstate highways. Holiday travelers are already hitting heavy traffic on the Downtown Connector and around Spaghetti Junction and the Cobb Cloverleaf.

A truck crash and ensuing fuel leak cleanup on I-285 South near Stone Mountain Freeway has created delays back to Peachtree Industrial, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Team. That backup led to a crash on I-85 North just before the exit to I-285 South involving five cars that blocked one lane.

Traffic is slow but moving steadily through the interchange between Ga. 400 and I-285, but a wreck on I-20 East blocking the shoulder just outside of the Perimeter is creating serious delays on the interstate.

Original Story:

Happy Thanksgiving Eve. If you plan to hit the roads today or during the holiday weekend, take care. In 2020, 24 people died and 370 were injured in wrecks on Georgia roads during the Wednesday-Sunday Thanksgiving holiday period. The death toll doubled from 2019, when 12 were killed during the same period.

More travelers are expected on the roads this year with pandemic restrictions easing. Experts shared tips with AJC reporter Alexis Stevens to help ensure a safe trip. Here’s one more from me: take your time and listen to a compelling podcast during your journeys:

Things look to be fine at the moment but the lull won’t last. You know how Atlanta does.

The weather will be something to be thankful for, though. Temps are hovering around freezing now but we’re looking at a high of 60 with lots of sun today.

» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.

» For updated traffic information, listen to News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB and follow @ajcwsbtraffic on Twitter.

» Download The Atlanta Journal-Constitution app for weather alerts on-the-go.