Tow tt thru Atlanta

Kaz wrote:
...Incidentally, I regularly go around the city on I-285 not because of the traffic, but because all trucks (except for local traffic) must route around the city, and my personal driving style is to sit comfortably behind a sensibly driven 18-wheeler, relax, and take my time. It takes me a few extra minutes, but it does wonders for my disposition. YMMV.

Just an update: Yesterday I drove from I-85 North, around I-285, to I-75 North. The road surface on I-285 on the west side is in medium-bad condition (nothing to worry about if you've ever driven in Alabama, South Carolina, Louisiana, California, anywhere in the Northeast, or probably anywhere else), but be warned that there are signs all over the place warning of construction projects starting and stopping on various days and times. It might be smart to check the Georgia DOT website for the latest construction information.

You never know what you are going to run into when you go thru Atlanta, even on weekends and non-rush hours, those are the times that they work on the roads! The southside in Clayton/Henry Counties is always a problem. I live just outside Atlanta on the westside. I would never go thru Atlanta if I did not absolutely have to. The best way around Atlanta now is:
- to get off Ga.53 at Calhoun to Rome.
-Then take US-27 South to LaGgrange, new 4 lane highway 65 mph in rural areas.
-I-185 from LaGrange to Fort Benning, all the way thru Columbus.
-Then US-27 South.
-If you want to get back on I-75 go straight on US-280 when US-27 turns to the right. Then get on US-82 in Albany to Tifton & I-75. Or
-You can stay on US-27 all the way to I-10 and Tallahassee if you want.

Great road all the way. Do not go thru Atlanta! Too many problems and too much crime. If you had to stop alongside the interstate for any reason in Atlanta make sure you have your gun on you. You just might need it.

What sailordive says. Be careful and pay attention to the signs that show exits on HOV lanes. Easy to exit when you want to go straight through.

If you drive through on Sunday get in the far left lane, which is the HOV lane. Even if there is game day traffic it will not back up that lane. You didn't say if you would take 75 or 85 out of Atlanta but the HOV lane has its own exit northbound. Once you get farther North it turns into pay lane. If you don't have Sunpass or GA or NC version hop out of that lane.

Kaz wrote:
I wouldn't fret over it. ...my personal driving style is to sit comfortably behind a sensibly driven 18-wheeler, relax, and take my time. It takes me a few extra minutes, but it does wonders for my disposition. YMMV.

perfectly timed advice. :)

I'm driving north through Atlanta next week and this is a perfect plan.

I wouldn't fret over it. North-bound traffic on Sunday afternoons binds up shortly before Braves stadium, moves slowly through the City, and then frees up after I-85 and I-75 split. It could be worse if there's road construction inside I-285, but the signs will warn you as you approach Atlanta and then you can loop around the city. Incidentally, I regularly go around the city on I-285 not because of the traffic, but because all trucks (except for local traffic) must route around the city, and my personal driving style is to sit comfortably behind a sensibly driven 18-wheeler, relax, and take my time. It takes me a few extra minutes, but it does wonders for my disposition. YMMV.

So Sunday and don't worry about the game?

I always drive right thru and don't worry about the time of day. We may hit a slow down but they rarely last more than 10 minutes. If you have two people then use the HOV lane (left lane) which is somewhat faster.

Unless you hit downtown as the game ends I don't see a issue. I always go straight thru, I-285 is just longer and rougher. Stay in the left lanes.