PEACH COUNTY, Ga. — As Labor Day weekend approaches, Georgia drivers are preparing for heavy traffic and increased law enforcement presence on major highways.
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) announced that Georgia State Patrol troopers will be out in full force throughout the weekend to ensure the safety of motorists.
GDOT says drivers should expect several changes over Labor Day weekend:
- GDOT is increasing patrols for Labor Day weekend.
- Traffic is expected to worsen, peaking from Friday through Monday.
- Drivers are urged to exercise caution, follow the speed limit, and check traffic reports regularly.
Many travelers are already noticing the stepped-up patrols. Nate Claiborne, who was driving from Orlando, Florida to Knoxville, Tennessee shared his experience while refueling at Buc-ee’s off of Russell Parkway in Peach County.
"I've made this drive a couple dozen times," Claiborne said. "South Georgia is always where I'm the most wary because I see the most state troopers and county sheriffs. I didn’t see any until about Tifton, and from Tifton to here, I’ve seen a dozen."
In anticipation of holiday traffic, GDOT is advising motorists to be cautious and expect delays. Heavy traffic is expected to peak starting Friday and continuing through Monday.
According to a press release from GDOT, officials are deploying additional officers along I-75, I-16 and other major routes to manage traffic flow and address any incidents quickly.
Allen Gobel, traveling to Hilton Head, South Carolina for the weekend, says he has also seen more patrols as he drives south.
“We got a little further south, and we started seeing more police,” Gobel said. “Traffic’s moderate now, but it’ll probably get worse.”
In addition to patrols, GDOT urges drivers to ensure their vehicles are in good condition and to be mindful of the speed limit. Walter Brown, another traveler going to Florida for the weekend, echoed the importance of staying safe while on the road.
"I'm on my way to Florida, and so far, traffic has been clear," Brown said. "But with all this messaging and stuff, it’s a good reminder to be careful."
As traffic builds over the holiday weekend, GDOT recommends checking traffic updates regularly, using alternate routes if possible, and giving yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.
For those who are staying in Georgia, expect local events and gatherings to draw crowds, and authorities advise being mindful of pedestrians and cyclists in more populated areas.
As for Buc-ee’s, where many travelers have been stopping for gas and snacks, it remains a hot stop, a halfway point in Georgia as many describe it. Travelers like Joy McDonald, heading to Orlando, made a pit stop to refuel.
“It took us three hours to get through Atlanta, but we’re getting there,” McDonald said. “That traffic, it’s no joke.”
For real-time traffic updates and alerts, GDOT says you can visit their website or download their mobile app.