Atlanta This Coming Saturday

I-285 should not be a problem, except for LOTS of trucks. As an added benefit, you get to see (and go under)the airport runway that goes over the highway on the south side of the city.

63-Coupe wrote:
I have never had a problem with I-285 whenever I have had to use

I suggest that you should buy a couple of lottery tickets. :B

Peg Leg wrote:
285 south bound on the west side has concrete rougher than a corn cob in an outhouse.

That is for sure!

Thanks Skip. It will likely be Saturday afternoon and since I have never had a problem with I-285 whenever I have had to use instead of I-75 I think I will go that way this trip. I am not in a big rush so a few extra miles and minutes is not a big deal if it means avoiding the aggravation of construction tie ups. After the insanity of Toronto area drivers I really don't find Atlanta all that bad anyway.

Norm

63-Coupe wrote:
I will be going through Atlanta southbound this Saturday. Normally I just head straight on through but after checking the Georgia construction map I see there is a repaving project going on. Here is the closure according to the info they are posting;

Saturday, October 22 at 7 a.m. – Saturday, October 22 at 7 p.m.:
2 right lanes & outside shoulder of ramp from I-75\I-85 SB to I-20 EB\WB, ramp will remain open

Would I be better to take 285 on this trip and go around? I don't mind the extra time or miles, just trying to avoid aggravation. Any local people out there that can comment on the impact of the project?

It should be OK, although there's a Falcons game that day, so the earlier the better. On game days, traffic binds up at that area even without construction and it won't be any better with lane closures.

If you're coming down I-75, there's also a lot of construction at the I-75/I-285 interchange at the north end of town where they're building the new Braves stadium and adding new lanes. They're doing a pretty good job of routing traffic and marking the lanes; just keep your eyes open as you head through the area (unlike most of the Atlanta drivers, who as near as I can tell drive with their eyes closed, except when they're texting).

I know lots of people hate I-285, but I think it's fine. It's the designated truck bypass for through-trucks. I take it regularly when I'm avoiding the downtown rush hour, and I take every time I'm driving the motor home around Atlanta (as recently as two days ago). The secret to I-285 is to follow a sensibly driven 18-wheeler, take you time, and limit whatever natural irritability you may suffer from. :)

Skip

I would stay on I75, stay on the third lane from the left if you can keep up with traffic without going too fast other wise the right lanes have a lot of on and off.

285 not worth the bother, not any better if not worse.

285 south bound on the west side has concrete rougher than a corn cob in an outhouse.

I always loved the ATLANTA traffic haha... It is famous for the disappearing lanes...

Havent been down it of late but went straight thru town in the past without too many issues pulling my small OFF-ROAD trailer...

I'm in Atlanta now, and am here often.
Traffic on the downtown 75/85 usually is not too bad on Saturday.
My guess is: Get here mid-day, keep left and pray.
I HATE 285 and use it only as a last resort.

Does the GDOT web site say that they have 511 traffic service ? I don't remember. A GPS with "traffic" can be really handy at times.