Drivers traveling through Northwest Georgia should prepare for increased traffic on Interstate 75 and Interstate 24 during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend, while the Georgia Department of Transportation plans to suspend most interstate lane closures to help keep traffic moving.
Georgia DOT will suspend lane closures on Georgia interstates beginning at noon Friday, Sept. 4, through 5 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8. The suspension is intended to reduce delays and improve safety as holiday travelers take to the roads.
Some lane closures could remain in place because of emergencies or other safety concerns.
For Northwest Georgia motorists, Georgia DOT is predicting moderate congestion on I-75 northbound and southbound in North Georgia near Chattanooga. Moderate congestion is also expected along I-24 in Northwest Georgia near the Tennessee state line.
Those routes serve as major travel corridors through the region and could see additional traffic as motorists head out for the long holiday weekend or return home Monday and Tuesday.
Georgia DOT based its predictions on traffic patterns observed during the 2025 Labor Day holiday period.
Drivers heading south toward metro Atlanta should also prepare for heavier traffic as they get closer to the city. Georgia DOT expects potentially heavy interstate traffic Friday from noon until 8 p.m. and Saturday from noon until 6 p.m.
Traffic is expected to be lighter Sunday and Labor Day Monday before typical congestion returns Tuesday afternoon.
Northwest Georgia motorists who encounter trouble along I-75 can request assistance from Georgia DOT’s Coordinated Highway Assistance and Maintenance Program, or CHAMP. The free service patrols interstates outside metro Atlanta and can assist motorists with roadside problems while also helping clear incidents and keep traffic moving.
CHAMP does not patrol I-24, according to Georgia DOT.
Motorists can dial 511 to request roadside assistance or obtain information about traffic conditions. The free 511GA app also provides real-time information about crashes, construction, road closures, travel times and weather conditions.
Georgia DOT is reminding drivers to use extra caution throughout the holiday weekend, particularly with an expected increase in travelers who may be unfamiliar with local roads.
Drivers should avoid distractions, maintain a safe following distance and designate a sober driver if alcohol is part of their holiday plans.
Motorists are also reminded of Georgia’s Move Over law. Drivers approaching emergency vehicles, law enforcement, tow trucks, utility vehicles or Georgia DOT crews stopped along the highway should move over one lane when it is safe to do so. If changing lanes is not possible, drivers are required to slow down and be prepared to stop.
With I-75 and I-24 expected to see increased holiday travel, Georgia DOT encourages Northwest Georgia motorists to check traffic conditions before leaving and allow additional time to reach their destinations.
