no good alternatives...the shortest route is to stay on I75 through Atlanta (which merges with I85 as it goes through downtown, that section is called "the connector" by Atlantans). If you have more than 1 person in your vehicle, then you should get in the HOV (high occupancy vehicle lane) on the far left to go through Atlanta (when you are south of downtown watch for signs to make sure that you stay on 75 as it "disconnects" from 85. I285 is the loop road around Atlanta. Atlantans refer to it as "the perimeter." All trucks not making local pickups or deliveries must take 285 around Atlanta, and are not allowed to use 75 or 85 inside the perimeter. Therefore, 285 is not only longer (mileage) but its truck traffic is much greater. 41 does go all the way from Chicago down through Georgia, but it is a local road which lots of stoplights and local traffic. Your best bet is to turn on one of the AM news/talk radio stations such as 680 or 640, which provide a lot of traffic updates. Also, there are now signs on 75 starting just outside Atlanta that tell you traffic conditions, and estimated trip times. Try to avoid coming through Atlanta from 6:30 am to 9am, and 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Good luck!
