ATLANTA — Drivers across metro Atlanta should prepare for heavier traffic and longer commutes as Halloween celebrations and a major college football game bring more vehicles and pedestrians onto local roads over the next several days.
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) says highway congestion is expected Thursday between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., with even heavier traffic anticipated Friday and Saturday from noon until 8 p.m.
During those peak periods, GDOT estimates drivers could experience an additional 30 to 45 minutes of travel time.
Traffic on surface streets is also expected to increase Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. and continuing into the early evening.
The Georgia-Florida football game is also scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m.
Several Halloween attractions and events are expected to contribute to the increased traffic, including:
- Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia
- Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park
- Haunted Seas at the Georgia Aquarium
- Scarecrows in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Netherworld in Stone Mountain
- Fear Fest at Underground Atlanta
- The Great Fall Festival at The Battery
- Trick or Treat at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta
- The Ghastly Dreadfuls at the Center for Puppetry Arts
- Little 5 Points Halloween Festival and Parade
- Spookwood Festival at Historic Fourth Ward Park
GDOT says construction will also continue at several locations throughout Georgia over the weekend, potentially requiring temporary lane closures.
While lighter traffic is expected Sunday, drivers will have less daylight during the evening hours as daylight saving time comes to an end.
Transportation officials are encouraging motorists to slow down in residential neighborhoods, avoid distractions and remain alert for pedestrians, particularly children who may cross streets outside designated crosswalks.
Drivers are also reminded to yield to pedestrians, allow additional travel time and avoid driving while impaired.
For families participating in Halloween activities, GDOT recommends using sidewalks and crosswalks, carrying flashlights or glow sticks and adding reflective tape to costumes to improve visibility.
Children younger than 13 should have adult supervision, and trick-or-treaters are encouraged to stay in familiar, well-lit areas and travel in groups.
Officials are also reminding pedestrians to make sure drivers see them before crossing and urging anyone who has been drinking not to walk alone.
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Michelle Wright contributed to this story.