Memorial Day 2018: When Will Traffic Be The Worst?

ATLANTA, GA — If you're hitting the road for Memorial Day weekend, expect to be joined by more than 36 million other drivers. AAA estimates that nearly 5 percent more vehicles will hit the roads throughout the United States this weekend compared to last year.

Drivers, especially in already congested traffic areas like metro Atlanta, should expect to see delays on major roads that could be three times longer than usual.

The busiest Memorial Day travel days nationwide are Thursday and Friday in the late afternoon, AAA said, citing the global transportation analytics company INRIX.

That's when commuters and holiday travelers will both be on the roads at the same time, AAA says. Depending on your location, that can span from as early as 3 p.m. to as late as 7 p.m.

In major metro areas like Atlanta, drivers could see their usual travel times doubled during those times, the AAA said.

"Drivers should expect congestion across a greater number of days than in previous years, with the getaway period starting on Wednesday, May 23," said Graham Cookson, chief economist and head of research at INRIX. "Our advice to drivers is to avoid peak commute times in major cities altogether – traveling late morning or early afternoon – or plan alternative routes."

In Georgia, the state Department of Transportation has suspended all construction-related lane closures from noon on Friday through 5 a.m. on Tuesday to try to lessen the congestion.

"This first holiday of the summer travel season is one of the heaviest travel times," aid Georgia DOT State Construction Engineer John Hancock. "We hope the suspension of major construction work will allow motorists to safely get to and from their holiday festivities with less congestion and less aggravation."

In the event of a crash or breakdown, the Georgia DOT advises motorists to never get out of their cars on a freeway unless their life is in danger. If possible, they should pull off the road, turn on hazard lights and stay seat-belted in the vehicle with the doors locked, the DOT said.

Motorists can call 511 in Georgia for HERO assistance in metro Atlanta or CHAMP service on highways in other parts of the state. Calling the free 511 line also lets motorists get real-time statewide information on Georgia’s interstates and state routes such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to theinclement weather.

More information is available at www.511ga.org.

Nationwide, high prices at the pump — usually a deterrent for people considering driving — aren't expected to have much effect this year. Drivers, who account for 88 percent of Memorial Day weekend travelers, will pay the most expensive gas prices in four years. Gas prices averaged $2.72 in April, up 33 cents from last year.

Orlando, Florida, is expected to be this year's most-visited Memorial Day destination in the U.S., AAA said. Other popular destinations this year include Seattle, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Boston, Denver and New York City.

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