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MACON, Ga. — As Labor Day quickly approaches, people across Georgia are set to take to the road, traveling to their vacation destination. Meanwhile, others from out of state are heading to Georgia for their own holiday travel.
Central Georgians are likely looking to take advantage of the fleeting last moments of summer before pumpkin spice season officially takes over.
Ahead of the busy travel season, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) are offering tips on how to stay safe and avoid traffic.
“We want everyone to enjoy their holiday celebrations this weekend, but safe driving should be your top priority on the way to your destination. If you need emergency assistance while traveling in Georgia, please don’t hesitate to call 911 or *GSP,” said Colonel William W. Hitchens, III, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
Here’s what you need to know.
When’s the worst time to travel during the labor day travel period?
GDOT noted that the busiest times to travel this holiday weekend will be on Friday and Saturday. They said that there will be heavy traffic, with potential 30-45 minute delays. On Friday, they said that roads will be heavily congested between noon and 8 p.m., while it’ll only be heavily congested between noon and 6 p.m. on Saturday.
When’s the best time to travel during the labor day travel period?
GSP recommended traveling anytime before 12 p.m. on Friday and suggested traveling between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Saturday. While they agreed with GDOT’s recommendation to stay off the road between 12 and 8 p.m. on Friday, they recommended staying off the road between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday.
GDOT said that Sunday and Labor Day shouldn’t have a ton of traffic on the road.
Still, GSP had some recommendations on when to and when not to be on the road those days if you’re hoping for the lightest conditions.
They recommended that, on Sunday, to leave before 11 a.m. and not be on the road between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. On Monday, they recommended being on the road before 12 p.m., but to stay off between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
GDOT also said to be careful of being on the road on Tuesday, as there will be moderate traffic between 3 and 7 p.m.
If travelling in Atlanta, GDOT said several roads will be congested. While there will be moderate congestion on Thursday, there will be heavy traffic on Friday and Saturday between 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. While they expect traffic to be light on Sunday and on Labor Day, they said that there will be moderate congestion on Tuesday.
GDOT also said that several interstates will likely have some traffic:
I-85 and I-185 are predicted to have light congestion in West Georgia near Alabama.
I-20 is predicted to have light congestion eastbound and westbound in West Georgia near Alabama.
I-24 is predicted to have moderate congestion in Northwest Georgia near Chattanooga.
I-75 is predicted to have moderate congestion northbound and southbound in North Georgia near Chattanooga.
I-16 is predicted to have heavy congestion westbound and eastbound in East Georgia near Savannah.
I-475, I-75, and I-16 are predicted to have heavy congestion in West Georgia near Macon.
I-75 is predicted to have moderate congestion northbound and southbound in South Georgia near Valdosta.
I-85 is predicted to have light congestion near Northeast Georgia, near South Carolina.
I-95 is predicted to have moderate congestion northbound and southbound in Southeast Georgia near Florida.
How to stay safe on the roads this labor day holiday?
Both GSP and GDOT offered some tips on how to stay safe before starting your journey and while already on the road.
As always, they recommended observing the speed limit, observing traffic laws and signals, staying focused and not driving impaired. They also recommended that everyone wear a seatbelt and show common courtesy to other drivers and pedestrians on the road.
Before leaving, they both recommend refilling the air in your tires and topping off your fluid levels. They also recommend being well rested and making sure you have a plan on how to get to your destination. They recommend knowing your exit names and numbers, and possibly using a GPS or map. They also recommend leaving early and being aware of the possible risk or high traffic areas at your destination.
