While the COVID-19 pandemic is still a factor for daily work and activities, it's now creating unusual surroundings for the first time, regarding major holiday celebrations. Continued loosening of restrictions-such as increased restaurant attendance and open park and beach access-may still create some heavy traffic for Memorial Day through Metro Atlanta, particularly heading southbound past I-285 in Atlanta.

Public gatherings, however, remain on restriction as state officials continue to advise everyone to practice social distancing. The Georgia DOT has chosen to suspend all construction for state expressways during the holiday, but does advise commuters to continue driving cautiously around I-285 and Georgia/400 in Sandy Springs, as well as around other work zones normally active during weekend hours. A visit to Atlanta planned for Vice President Mike Pence for Friday (5/22) may further complicate travel in the area, so plan accordingly.

>>Listen to 95.5 WSB for live traffic updates all weekend and download the TRIPLE TEAM TRAFFIC ALERTS Mobile App for automated audio alerts.