Atlanta's worst traffic bottlenecks get new express lane fixes

Metro Atlanta's roads remain some of the most congested in the US, with four of the country's worst highway bottlenecks. The problem stems from rapid population growth and heavy freight traffic flowing from the Port of Savannah. Now, state officials are working to ease delays at key trouble spots.

A recent report from the 2024 INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard revealed that 97 of the 100 worst traffic hotspots in the US lie outside Metro Atlanta but still within Georgia. Within the city itself, drivers face severe delays, particularly on I-75 south of the perimeter, where a one-way express lane has struggled to handle demand. Plans are now in place to add dedicated express lanes to improve flow.

The Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) is also tackling long-standing issues at the I-285 interchanges with I-20. Work on the east interchange finished in 2023, while construction on the west side remains ongoing. To help drivers navigate current delays, the DOT advises checking 511GA for real-time updates on closures and problem areas.

With ongoing projects and new express lanes planned, officials aim to reduce congestion in the coming years. Until then, drivers are urged to stay informed through official updates. The state's efforts focus on easing pressure at the worst-affected routes and interchanges.