As Florida residents heed evacuation orders issued in many parts of the state, Georgia’s interstates are seeing significant upticks in traffic volume – as much as four times higher than historical averages.
As of 8:00 a.m. today, volumes on I-75 northbound were 280 percent higher than normal between the Georgia-Florida state line and Macon. And on I-95 northbound between the Georgia-Florida state line and I-16, volumes were 89 percent over normal. In spite of significantly higher volumes, speeds on both highways were reported as normal.
Volumes were even higher Monday evening on both interstates, with an increase on I-75 northbound of 342 percent above normal, and 264 percent on I-95 northbound.
The I-75 South Metro Express Lanes south of metro Atlanta will continue to remain open for northbound traffic only through today to accommodate higher northbound traffic counts from Florida residents heeding local evacuation orders. Express Lanes can be accessed by motorists using a Georgia Peach Pass, Florida Sun Pass or E-Z Pass.