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Rush hour arrived early as drivers heeded advice, headed home

Traffic on I-85 North was heavy early Friday afternoon, then tapered off. JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM
Traffic on I-85 North was heavy early Friday afternoon, then tapered off. JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM
By Steve Burns
Jan 6, 2017

Rush-hour traffic came early Friday.

As frozen precipitation started to fall, drivers apparently heeded officials’ pleas and began heading home around 1 p.m.

The traffic volume was heavy for several hours, but it improved significantly by 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. when Atlanta roads are usually packed.

Mayor Kasim Reed had urged motorists to be home by 4 p.m. in advance of a winter storm that was expected to bring snow and ice to North Georgia.

MORE: Atlanta snow: The latest news

Georgia Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Higley said: “Rush hour is several hours early today but traffic isn’t congested due to road conditions. So, our best advice for the moment is to use 511 at www.511ga.org, heed any specific messages on the DOT changing messaging signage, get home before dark and stay there if at all possible.”

Officials continue to urge drivers still on the roads to use caution.

Traffic near downtown had cleared somewhat by 4 p.m. after earlier being jammed. JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM
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