Atlanta Daytime Traffic?

A different opinion, from someone who worked in downtown Atlanta for 30 years. Normally, the above opinions would hold true, but, on January 2, there will be thousands (maybe tens of thousands) of snowbirds who, just like you who, have decided to head south after the holidays. Add that to the normal Atlanta traffic and it could be the pits. Going through downtown may not be too bad, but expect delays south of I-285 on the south side of the city, with heavy traffic all the way to Macon. You can also expect a lot of traffic all the way down I-75 especially from Gainesville Florida all the way through Ocala to the Turnpike. That's been my experience driving that route the day after New Years. Personally, I'm waiting until the 7th to travel, and I don't have to go through Atlanta.