Express Lane Schedule, Traffic Plans for Thanksgiving 2022

The holidays always cause some of the worst traffic I-75 sees throughout the entire year. Here’s when to expect the worst delays as well as the express lane schedule for Thanksgiving traffic 2022.

Thanksgiving Traffic 2022

Based on historic traffic data, delays are typically the worst on the day before Thanksgiving. Traffic on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday is generally lighter than the rest of the week. Nevertheless, be prepared for possible delays if passing through Henry County on I-75 at anytime during the holiday weekend.

The I-75 South Metro Express Lanes will operate on their regular schedule on Monday & Tuesday — northbound in the AM and southbound in the afternoon. Beginning on Wednesday, November 23, the lanes will operate southbound only through Friday at lunchtime. Thereafter, the lanes will operate northbound only for the rest of the holiday weekend.

Across the state, Georgia DOT will be suspending any road work that requires lane closures beginning on Wednesday, November 23, through Sunday, November 27. Some long-term lane closures may remain in place based on project status.

Georgia DOT offers the following advice for holiday travel:

• The best time for travel is in the morning, before 10 am. 
• Traffic volumes begin to increase in the afternoon after 12 pm, when drivers are departing work early or finishing last-minute shopping lists. 
• If traveling in or around metro Atlanta on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 23, plan to add 30-45 minutes to your travel time due to increased congestion between noon to 6:00pm.

Featured image shows holiday traffic on I-75 in McDonough. Georgia DOT photo.