285 around Atlanta?

[glaserjm]

Hi all!

We are regular WDW road-trippers and routinely switch up our routes to see what works best for us. One thing we haven't done when doing the 75 run is take the 285 around Atlanta and I'm wondering if it's worth it.

We'll be hitting Atlanta on a Saturday morning so I'm not really convinced that 285 will be necessary and we've never taken it before. While Atlanta is obviously increased volume, we haven't hit gridlock or anything that has really delayed us.

Does anyone take this route that thinks the 285 is remarkably faster/slower/neutral?

Thanks!

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

There are several factors you need to know in order to make a decision.

What time on Saturday?

Any big events or games on Saturday?

Any weekend construction downtown?

So...........

Visit the websites of our local radio/tv stations to get some intel on what might be happening.
www.wsbtv.com

www.wsbradio.com


I suggest listening to WSB radio at 95.5 as you get close to us here for continuous traffic reports.

 

[Rose23]

I also agreed w/Bridget... matters on what is going on in Atlanta at the time and what time you are going to hit I-75/I-285 split.

If arriving on a Saturday at the split, I would say take the chance if you are there by 8am and go straight through I-75. Anything after 9/10am and you may get held up with traffic especially if there is a festival, football, etc.

We drive from Ohio to Walt Disney World yearly through Atlanta; our choice is determined by our arrival time at the I-75/I-285 split.

Safe travels and have fun!

 

[glaserjm]

Thanks! We will likely be arriving in Atlanta around 9:30 or 10, but Georgia Tech does have a home football game that day and it may be best to avoid the downtown area with tailgaters and the like!

Looks like we'll be trying 285!

 

[DebbieB]

My company has an office in Alpharetta and one time I left around 4:00pm on a Friday to go the airport. I took 285 and it was a nightmare, bumper to bumper for miles. It took me close to 2 hours to get to the airport. Not to say that 75 would have been better.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

CHECK FOR CONSTRUCTION!

Let me say that again

CHECK FOR CONSTRUCTION!

They are "repaving" etc.. and it's not uncommon to have I285 down to one lane or even closed. Weekends are when they do the 'work'

http://www.511ga.org/#

 

[glaserjm]

Thanks! Looks like there might not be a great option that morning...we'll probably have to make a game-time decision!

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

On the Friday night local news they just took a few minutes to talk about the activities downtown, some construction, and the potential for traffic snarls.

It is just the way things are "down here". You might come through on a "no conflict" weekend, or your day could be smack in the middle of several issues. Just do your research in advance and monitor our local radio station and you should be able to make a good decision when you get here. Hey, at least you have some options! Good luck and enjoy your trip.

 

[JanB]

CHECK FOR CONSTRUCTION!

Let me say that again

CHECK FOR CONSTRUCTION!

They are "repaving" etc.. and it's not uncommon to have I285 down to one lane or even closed. Weekends are when they do the 'work'

http://www.511ga.org/#

This!

Hopefully you have cell phones with internet access so that you can check the 511 website while you are in your car as you are approaching Atlanta. Check it the night before, and check it again the day of your drive through Atlanta. Be prepared for either route. As recommended in another response, listen to AM750 WSB; you should start listening to them no later than around Cartersville when you are driving South.

If you have smart phones --- look for apps (free) for WSBTV Traffic (real time road conditions) and for GDOT 511.