Georgia's Fourth of July travel numbers will set records. Here are the best and worst times to drive

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Ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, AAA projects that a record-breaking number of more than 2.3 million Georgians expect to travel 50 miles or more from home, with more than 70 million people traveling around the U.S.

The tracking for those numbers comes from AAA’s Independence Day travel period, which “measures domestic trips of 50 miles or more” during the 9-day period from Saturday, June 29, to Sunday, July 7, per a Georgia CEO staff report.

“There will be 3.5 million more travelers than last year,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA, in a statement about the new travel records on the road and the airways for the Independence Day week.

“That means even more people at airports and popular attractions like beaches, lakes, and theme parks,” she said.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport advised holiday travelers to arrive days before the Fourth of July, as they expect 4 million passengers to travel through the airport from June 27 to July 8.

AAA projects that the number of domestic air travelers for the week will also set records, with 5.74 million people flying to their destinations, a 7% increase compared to last year.

AAA also projects that a record of more than 2 million Georgians expect to take a road trip throughout the holiday week, AAA projects.

In honor of those driving during the holiday week/weekend, the Georgia Department of Transportation is suspending lane closures on Georgia interstates and state routes.

The suspension will last from noon Wednesday, July 3, 2024, to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 7.

“During this period, construction-related lane closures will be on hold to facilitate smoother travel,” said a GDOT press release. “However, Georgia DOT urges drivers to remain cautious, as crews may still be working near highways, and some long-term lane closures may still be in place due to safety concerns.”

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GDPT's 7-Day Travel Forecast for Metro Atlanta Interstates from July 1 to July 7, 2024.

Credit: Georgia Department of Transportation

GDOT predicted the traffic pattern flow for metro Atlanta interstates leading into the holiday weekend:

• Monday, July 1 through Wednesday, July 3, with moderate congestion expected from 3 to 7 p.m.;
• Light to normal traffic on the July 4 holiday;
• Post-holiday heavy traffic on Friday, July 5, and Sunday, July 7, particularly between noon and 8 p.m.;
• Moderate post-holiday congestion on Saturday, July 6, during the afternoon.

GDOT encourages motorists to plan their trips in advance, especially on busy interstates in high-traffic areas like metro Atlanta and other areas outside the city.