Metro ATL Drivers Could Spend 4 Hours In Traffic During Thanksgiving

GEORGIA — With Thanksgiving approaching, 2 million residents are predicted to either cover the Georgia roads or take flight during the holiday traveling period, according to AAA.

The holiday traveling period is set to last from Wednesday to Sunday, when AAA forecasts Georgia will see 35,000 more holiday travelers than in 2022.

The 2 percent growth in traffic is the second-highest increase on record since 2005, AAA reported.

Meanwhile, peak congestion at 5 p.m. Friday from Birmingham, Alabama to Atlanta, is set to last about 4 hours and 2 minutes via Interstate 20 east. The estimated time is 54 percent of the typical average, AAA reported.

“Travel demand has been strong all year and that trend will continue with one of the busiest Thanksgivings on record,” Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA, said in a news release. “With more people taking to the roads, skies, rails and sea, travelers should expect congested roads and longer lines at transportation terminals."

Wednesday is set to be the busiest time for road travel, according to AAA, citing INRIX, which provides transportation data and insights. AAA said 1.51 million drivers are anticipated to hit the road.

Average travel times as much as 80 percent longer than usual is predicted for some metro areas, AAA said.

Per INRIX, drivers should leave in the morning hours or after 6 p.m. to avoid heavy congestion.

“The day before Thanksgiving is notoriously one of the most congested days on our roadways," Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said in the release. "Travelers should be prepared for long delays, especially in and around major metros. Knowing when and where congestion will build can help minimize holiday traffic frustrations. We advise drivers to use traffic apps, local DOT notifications and 511 services for real-time updates.”

With Gov. Brian Kemp's state of emergency in effect until 11:59 p.m., Nov. 29, gas taxes remain suspended.

AAA reported domestic gas supplies are dropping prices at the pumps. As of late Tuesday morning, the average price was $2.81 per gallon for regular gas.

As for flying, Tuesday and Wednesday are the busiest and most expensive days for air travel, AAA reported. Sunday and Monday are the favored days to fly home after Thanksgiving. More than 115,000 are predicted to use air travel.

According to the AAA report, 28,000 people are slated to use other forms of travel, including cruises, buses and trains.

“The cruise industry, in particular, has made a remarkable comeback, and thrives during the holidays,” Haas said in the release. “Holiday cruises are highly sought-after as a means for large families to travel together and visit multiple destinations without having to worry about the cooking and cleanup."

AAA said it urges travelers to have a plan, leave early and be courteous to others.