Best route through Atlanta

Question

Traveling from Florida to Indiana. What is best route through Atlanta at 2:00 pm on Friday?

Answer

Traveling through Atlanta on a Friday afternoon, especially at 2:00 PM, can be tricky due to rush hour traffic. The peak congestion tends to start building around 3:00 PM, but it's still best to be prepared. Here are some tips and the best routes to consider for a smoother experience:

1. I-75/I-85 (Downtown Connector)

This is the primary interstate through Atlanta, and it runs through the heart of the city. While it's often congested during peak hours, it is still the most direct route if you're heading north on I-75 from Florida toward Indiana.

Pros: This route is the fastest if there are no accidents or major delays, especially if you're already on I-75 south heading into Atlanta.
Cons: Major traffic congestion is expected around the downtown area, especially near the I-75/I-85 split and the Georgia State Stadium area.
Alternative: If you're on the south side of Atlanta, consider taking I-285 to bypass the more congested parts of downtown before rejoining I-75 north.

2. I-285 (Perimeter Highway)

If you want to avoid the worst of the downtown Atlanta congestion, consider taking I-285 around the city. This is the beltway that encircles Atlanta and can help you bypass the city center.

Pros: I-285 often has less congestion than the downtown connector, especially during Friday afternoons. It’s an excellent option if you’re coming from the south and want to avoid the heart of the city.
Cons: It’s a longer route, and depending on where you're coming from, it could add a few extra miles. The I-285/75 interchange can also get congested, particularly during rush hour.

3. Alternate Routes - Using I-20 East or West

If you're coming from the southern side of Atlanta, another option is to take I-285 to I-20 East or West, which can help you avoid the Downtown Connector if you're heading north. These routes can sometimes be a bit quicker, depending on the time of day.

Pros: I-20 may have less congestion than I-75/I-85 and can help you bypass certain parts of the city.
Cons: Traffic can still be heavy in certain parts of I-20, and you will need to rejoin I-75 or I-85 further up for your continued trip north.

4. Timing and Traffic Apps

Given the heavy traffic in Atlanta at peak times, it's always a good idea to use a traffic app like Google Maps or Waze. These apps can give you real-time traffic information and help you avoid accidents, slowdowns, and detours that are common around 2:00 PM on Fridays.

Real-time Information: Apps like Google Maps and Waze will suggest alternate routes if there’s heavy traffic and might help you avoid long delays in the downtown area.
Stay Updated: Pay attention to traffic alerts and signs along the way, as they can offer timely guidance, especially if there's an unexpected road closure or accident.

Conclusion:

Best Option: If you're traveling during 2:00 PM on a Friday, staying on I-75/I-85 through the downtown area is often the fastest but also the most congested. You might want to consider taking I-285 around the city if you're looking to avoid the worst of the downtown traffic.
Alternative Option: Taking I-285 with a reentry to I-75/I-85 can help you skip the most congested parts of downtown but may add a bit more time.

Plan ahead, check your traffic app, and expect some delays, but you'll be able to navigate through Atlanta fairly easily with a little preparation!