Why is Atlanta traffic so bad?

Atlanta is home to over six million people. Of those six million people, over three-quarters drive to and from work each day, either alone or in a carpool. That means that millions of drivers take to Atlanta's complex freeway system each day, leading to frequent delays and traffic jams.



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According to the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard, Atlanta ranks among the top 10 most congested cities in the United States. On average, commuters in Atlanta spend around 70 hours per year stuck in traffic. The city's highways, including I-285, I-75, and I-85, are often gridlocked during peak travel times.

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But hey, at least we climbed a spot from the cellar of 2022 Clever's study of the best and worst U.S. cities for commuters in 2023 pegs Atlanta as a bottom-five finisher in terms of hellacious, expensive, time-consuming commutes—one spot worse than, gulp, Los Angeles.

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1 U.S. city with the worst traffic: Chicago, IL. Chicago ranked as the U.S. city with the highest traffic delays in 2022. On a global scale, the Illinois city ranked No.

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The morning rush hour in Atlanta starts as early as 4 a.m., and it can last as late as 10 a.m., but the worst of it begins around 6 or 7 a.m. In the evening, you can expect the worst traffic from 3:30 p.m. to at late as 7:30 p.m. This is a long stretch of time when the roads stay congested, so if you do not want to sit ...

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Over the past several years, the population in the Atlanta metro area has exploded, resulting in more drivers on the road during rush hour. Whether you grew up in Atlanta or you are new to the area, it is difficult to navigate the roads during busy times.

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Getting Around Atlanta The best way to get around Atlanta is by MARTA, Atlanta's public transportation system. MARTA operates both bus and rail lines throughout the city and into nearby suburbs.

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The capital city of Atlanta is known for having one of the busiest airports in the world, world-famous hip-hop culture, historical significance in the Civil Rights Movement, and as the birthplace of Coca-Cola. The city is home to several important landmarks in the United states, including Martin Luther King, Jr.

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A narrow and tricky construction zone means a higher likelihood for wrecks. Mix in the fact that so many unfamiliar out-of-towners and commercial trucks funnel through that area and you have the recipe for plenty of mishaps and delays.

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Interstate 285 (I-285) is an auxiliary Interstate Highway encircling Atlanta, Georgia, for 63.98 miles (102.97 km).

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Driving in Atlanta: 6 Tips for Tourists
  1. All Rules Have Exceptions. All drivers have heard it at one point or another, although few drivers abide by this rule of the road. ...
  2. Avoid Rush Hour. While commuters have no choice in this one, tourists typically do. ...
  3. Download a Good Traffic App. ...
  4. Be Patient. ...
  5. Remain Vigilant. ...
  6. Be Polite.


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New Jersey is the worst state to drive in, as it has the highest road congestion nationwide and the second-worst road quality, a new study by MoneyGeek finds.

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