Need advice getting through Atlanta

Thanks for the Info. We will leave around 12:30 and I think we will stop south of Atlanta to eat. I think we lose an hour as well so we may be hitting Atlanta around 7:00. plan to try the I 75 straight through. Any good spots to eat south of Atlanta.

Unfortunately, I am a local. Since you are going to Hiawassee, your best approach will be from I-75 south of Atlanta, take I-675 to I-285, to I-85 to I-985 to Hwy 129 to Hwy 75A to Hwy 17 into Hiawassee.

Okay from a LOCAL ~~~

First some of the above is incorrect:

"The bypasses are just as busy and longer. I stay on 75 and go through Atlanta." Incorrect

Just is timing and direction you are traveling.

"Ok I am not a local but when we went through there WERE no alternate routes (except the bypass around by the airport) both are busy, the Long Haul guys tend to take the bypass route more.."


Long Haul or Semi’s are not legally allowed to travel inside perimeter (unless delivering), so YES 285 will have a lot of Semi-Trucks (which you may find pro-semi drivers better at understanding how to drive a big-rig & respect for you towing).


To original poster, seeing you are heading to Hiawasse,
you need to get to I-85 on the North side up to I-985, leading you up into North GA.

If you getting into ATL area, this evening --->

TAKE 675 (following signs that say to Greenville, SC), 675 to 285(Perimeter Highway), to I-85 north.

675 and 285 –The bulk of the traffic will be going to other way (commuters heading out to the BURBS).

Now once up to I-85 on the topside, this will be conjested, but you will be outside of Atl downtown. Merge in and relax, best as possible.

Once up to I985, will be clear sailing, and up into North GA, enjoy!

Later,
Markiemark

Roundtwo-40 wrote:
the Long Haul guys tend to take the bypass route more..

They have to, its the law!

IMHO, it makes a big difference if you're going through in a car/van or a 60' rig combo. Without the RV, I'll go straight through the middle of town. But that's only because I have the maneuverability to quickly change lanes when one suddenly ends. Of course, all this can go out the window depending on accidents or breakdowns. Check FM 95.5 or AM 750 as you're approaching the city to find out current traffic conditions.

Straight through.
Pick a lane and stay there.
Drivers in Atlanta do not know what a turn signal is.
Like CA. They just change lanes , sometimes all at once.

Say hello to Matlock when going through.

The bypasses are just as busy and longer. I stay on 75 and go through Atlanta.

Before coming to Florida I read all about the horror stories of the dreaded trip thru Atlanta. I planned all my trips to stay outside Atlanta in a CG and get up and leave at 6:00 am to go thru Atlanta the next morning. I do not do that anymore!

Maybe because I am from Chicago but going thru Atlanta is no big deal.
There is also a bypass route around it. But, that is just as well jammed during rush hour also. It did seem the roads were better on the bypass though.

I've have gone thru Atlanta during rush hour and it was not big deal. In fact I found the bypass loaded with semi's at any time a day and more of a pain driving a MH towing than going thru downtown.

I found the highway going to Orlando any time of day much more frightening!!! :B

If you are coming up I85 just take the 285W bypass to 75N. Everything is hit or miss with rush hour traffic in ATL.

Ok I am not a local but when we went through there WERE no alternate routes (except the bypass around by the airport) both are busy, the Long Haul guys tend to take the bypass route more..Pick a path, go to the bathroom outside of town, and breathe..