ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) expects increased traffic during the upcoming Spring Break for K-12 schools around metro Atlanta and across the state from Friday, April 3rd through Sunday, April 12th.
Important Reminders for Visitors:
- Although the lane closures have been suspended, construction crews are still working along the roads, and some long-term roads may remain in place for safety reasons.
- Emergency or event-related road closures may still occur at any time, if necessary.
- Stay alert, follow road signs, and be careful, especially near idle work areas.
The Georgia DOT encourages travelers to plan ahead and use caution on the roads at all times, and shares the following travel forecast for Spring Break 2026 based on historical traffic data from 2025.
Metro Atlanta April 3-12:
Interstates
- Motorists should be advised of heavy traffic from midday on Friday 3 April until 7pm on Sunday 5 April.
- Normal traffic will be open from 3pm on Monday 6th April to 7pm on Thursday 9th April.
- Heavy traffic is expected to resume from midday on Friday 10 April until 7pm on Sunday 12 April.
The above directions
- Heavy traffic is expected to begin in the early afternoon on Friday, April 3.
- Normal to light traffic is expected on Saturday 4th April until Friday 10th April.
- Heavy traffic will return in the afternoon – evening on Saturday 11th April.
- Normal traffic is expected on Sunday, April 12.
Major areas outside of metro AtlantaI
- -75 moderate southbound and northbound congestion from Atlanta into Stockbridge is expected.
- I’m 85 and It’s 185 moderate congestion is forecast in West Georgia near Alabama.
- I-20 light congestion is forecast to the east and west of West Georgia near Alabama.
- I am 24 light congestion is forecast for Northwest Georgia near Chattanooga.I am 75 light congestion is forecast to the north and south in North Georgia near Chattanooga.
- I’m 16 Heavy rain is forecast to move west and east in East Georgia near Savannah.
- I-475, I-75, and I’m 16 severe congestion is predicted in West Georgia near Macon.
- I’m 75 light congestion is forecast to the north and south in South Georgia near Valdosta.
- I’m 85 Moderate congestion is expected over Northeast Georgia and South Carolina.
- I’m 95 light congestion is forecast to the north and south of Southeast Georgia (near Florida).
Below are the expected schedule changes for the South Metro Express Lanes for the Spring holiday travel season. Red directions indicate a change from the normal schedule. Travelers are advised to check the updated flyers and plan their itineraries accordingly during the holiday season. Please note, times are subject to change due to current traffic demands. There are no changes to the Northwest Express Lanes.
Express Lane Schedules April 3-12
Peach Pass Usage Updates:
- The Peach Pass is accepted on trail systems in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, North Carolina and Rhode Island.
- Partnerships are in the works with Florida’s SunPass, E-Pass, and LeeWay. It also partners with North Carolina’s QuickPass.
- Users from countries accepted to Georgia can use their pass while traveling on the Georgia Express Lanes.
- For current updates and guide information, please visit the Peach Pass website at PeachPass.com
Safe Driving Tips:
If you find yourself traveling this Spring break, do so safely with these best practices in mind:
- Drive defensively
- An increase in out-of-town drivers is expected this Spring. Be careful of strange drivers on the roads.
- Be alert and aware. Slow down, and if you see a car with its hazard lights on, approach carefully.
- Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you in case of a sudden stop.
- Don’t drive distracted. Stay focused on the road for any emergencies.
- Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility between motorists and pedestrians. See and Be Seen all the time.
- Go for first responders
- Traffic-related incidents are the leading cause of death for law enforcement officers. Do your part to ensure highway safety by driving carefully, avoiding obstacles, and staying focused on the road.
- Georgia’s Move Over Law requires drivers to move over a single lane, if possible, if an emergency or Georgia DOT vehicle with flashing lights is stopped on the shoulder of the highway.
- Vehicles included in the law include all first responders (law enforcement, fire, EMS), utility vehicles, DOT vehicles, HERO & CHAMP teams, and wreckers who respond to accidents.
- Call 511 to ask for HERO or CHAMP Help
- Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) patrol the metro Atlanta area 24/7. It is a free service provided by the Georgia DOT.
- HERO assists motorists by changing flat tires, exploding batteries, providing fuel or coolant, pushing vehicles to the shoulder, moving motorists to safe areas away from traffic, performing minor mechanical repairs, restoring normal traffic flow after incidents, and providing first aid.
- Coordinated Highway Assistance & Maintenance Program (CHAMP) operators patrol outside metro Atlanta (except I-59 and I-24) as a free service provided by the Georgia DOT. CHAMP helps stranded drivers, changes tires, maintains traffic flow, and points out many maintenance problems.
Best Ways to Travel:
- Make sure children’s safety is a priority in your vehicle
- Make sure all children in the car are properly restrained before driving to your destination.
- If the child cannot fit into the seat belt properly, place it in a booster seat.
- Remember that seat belts should not rest on the child’s stomach or face.
- When you stop at a store or gas station during your trip, do not leave children alone in the car.
- When you get out of your car, always check the back seat to make sure you are not leaving a child or baby strapped in the car.
- Always wear a seat belt, no matter how far you drive. Make sure all passengers are wearing seat belts as well.
- Distracted driving is the leading cause of many fatalities. Georgia DOT encourages everyone to drive Alert, Arrive Alive
- Use 511GA Travel Services:
- Prepare for your trip by using the comprehensive travel services offered by 511GA. Visit 511ga.org or download the free 511GA app from Apple or Google for:
- Real-time navigation, travel time estimates, and real-time speeds.
- Travel weather and road conditions in real time to ensure you reach your destination.
- Updates on the current Express Lanes guidelines.
- Access traffic cameras while driving to keep up to date with current road conditions and events.
Call 511 to speak with a live operator 24/7/365. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. For the latest information on travel conditions on Georgia’s state roads and highways, call 511 or visit www.511ga.org before you head out. 511 is a free service that provides real-time statewide information on Georgia and state roads, including traffic conditions, incidents, road closures and delays due to inclement weather 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers can also transfer to operators to request HERO assistance in metro Atlanta or CHAMP services on highways in other parts of the country.
The Georgia Department of Transportation plans, builds and maintains Georgia’s state and federal highways. We are involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, mass transit, bicycle and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to providing a transportation system that focuses on innovation, safety, sustainability and mobility. The Department’s vision is to strengthen Georgia’s competitiveness through leadership in transportation
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