Georgia DOT issues Halloween traffic forecast – FOX 5 Atlanta

Georgia DOT issues Halloween traffic forecast  FOX 5 Atlanta

Georgia transportation officials are warning drivers to prepare for significant traffic delays and changing road conditions as Halloween festivities and the end of Daylight Saving Time converge across metro Atlanta this week.The Georgia Department of Transportation expects heavy traffic on metro Atlanta interstates and local surface streets starting Wednesday and lasting through Sunday. Afternoon highway congestion is forecast between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.Heavy travel delays of 30 to 45 minutes are anticipated from noon to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday due to major regional events. Drivers will encounter increased congestion near venues hosting events such as Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia, the Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park, Haunted Seas at the Georgia Aquarium and the Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade.Surface streets including Northside Drive, Cobb Parkway, Roswell Road, Peachtree Parkway, Tara Boulevard, and Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway will also experience periods of heavy traffic.

Georgia DOT reported that light traffic is expected on interstates overall on Sunday.Officials also emphasized caution regarding changing daylight conditions. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, Nov. 1, at 2 a.m. when clocks turn back one hour, bringing earlier darkness during peak driving hours.According to data from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, more than 80% of pedestrian fatalities happen during low-light or overnight hours, and