Holiday travel/traffic questions - Midwest/East coast I-75

Russell James · 12-14-2012, 02:59 PM

Going to drive from MI to FL a few days before Christmas. Next week or that weekend before Christmas. Sometime between the 20th and 24th. I-75 all the way.

How has traffic been lately? Any thoughts if Thursday and Friday would be best or Sat and Sun? I don't think I've ever hit I-75 on the weekend before Christmas before, not sure if that would be a bumper to bumper dissaster or would the weekend actually be lighter traffic.

Last year I went down on week days, which was pretty heavy traffic, and returned after Christmas on a weekend and it was surprisingly light traffic.
Just not sure if that weekend right before Christmas is something to avoid.

Thanks for any thoughts.

PalmerGA · 12-14-2012, 07:50 PM

I-75 and I-95 through GA into FL is ALWAYS a nightmare just before Christmas. Tens of thousands of people heading south to see their retired parents/grand parents and catch some rays.

Mr Twisty · 12-15-2012, 06:46 AM

Friday, saturday and sunday will likely all be bad from Chattanooga thru Fla. Just make sure you're south of Atlanta by 3pm friday or u b screwed

If I HAD to run I-75 south just before Christmas, I would get as far south as quickly as I possibly could,... stay jacked up on caffeine and run it straight thru..... when you get tired stop and nap for 4 hrs or whatever your body needs.

dianeokie · 12-15-2012, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Twisty

Friday, saturday and sunday will likely all be bad from Chattanooga thru Fla. Just make sure you're south of Atlanta by 3pm friday or u b screwed

If I HAD to run I-75 south just before Christmas, I would get as far south as quickly as I possibly could,... stay jacked up on caffeine and run it straight thru..... when you get tired stop and nap for 4 hrs or whatever your body needs.

Friday in Atlanta will be bad from 3 on, like Mr Twisty said......it's awful! Either get through there after 10:30AM (Cartersville GA) down is awful during morning rush hour until about 2:30 (Cartersville, GA) or wait until at least 7:30PM to hit Cartersville if it's Friday. Saturday and Sunday morning will probably be ok, but even Sunday evening gets jammed up. Any week morning or week evening will be bad during rush hour in Atlanta which usually lasts from about 6:30 AM to 9:30AM and 3:30PM to 7:30PM.....good luck.........PM me if you need some addn'l info......been here 24 years............so I'm pretty familiar with the area..........

Overflow · 12-15-2012, 06:11 PM

I-75 near Wesley Chapel and New Tampa is under a lot of construction. Be very careful.

FenwickHockey65 · 12-15-2012, 06:35 PM

I-75 through Dayton has been under construction for years now. Watch the signs super carefully or you'll end up in the middle of a cornfield in Ohio.

And adding on to what Overflow said, as you approach downtown Tampa expect congestion.

12-14-2012, 02:59 PM	#1
Russell James Drives: '15 SS 1LE, '69 Z28 drag car Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Mich Posts: 4,482	Holiday travel/traffic questions - Midwest/East coast I-75 Going to drive from MI to FL a few days before Christmas. Next week or that weekend before Christmas. Sometime between the 20th and 24th. I-75 all the way. How has traffic been lately? Any thoughts if Thursday and Friday would be best or Sat and Sun? I don't think I've ever hit I-75 on the weekend before Christmas before, not sure if that would be a bumper to bumper dissaster or would the weekend actually be lighter traffic. Last year I went down on week days, which was pretty heavy traffic, and returned after Christmas on a weekend and it was surprisingly light traffic. Just not sure if that weekend right before Christmas is something to avoid. Thanks for any thoughts.

12-14-2012, 07:50 PM	#2
PalmerGA Drives: 2013 SIM 1SS/RS L99 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southwest GA Posts: 8,754 View My Garage	I-75 and I-95 through GA into FL is ALWAYS a nightmare just before Christmas. Tens of thousands of people heading south to see their retired parents/grand parents and catch some rays. __________________ 2013 1SS/RS Coupe L99, Stainless Power Works LT Headers, SCT X4 Custom Tune from RDP, CAI Inc. Air Intake w/ Apex Scoop, VMAX CNC Ported Throttle Body, Solo Axle-Back Exhaust w/ J-pipes, Apex Catch Can, Husky Splash Guards, Heritage Grille, 3D Carbon Rear Spoiler, Oracle Chrome Turn Signal Bulbs, GM Reverse Light Trim Billets, Gorilla Black Locking Lugs, Emblem Pros Retro SS Badges/Custom Retro SS Kickplates/Under-hood Bowtie, 35% window Tint, Nitto Motivo Tires (6-8-18)

12-15-2012, 06:46 AM	#3
Mr Twisty Drives: the 2nd amendment home Join Date: May 2008 Location: OK Posts: 14,763	Friday, saturday and sunday will likely all be bad from Chattanooga thru Fla. Just make sure you're south of Atlanta by 3pm friday or u b screwed If I HAD to run I-75 south just before Christmas, I would get as far south as quickly as I possibly could,... stay jacked up on caffeine and run it straight thru..... when you get tired stop and nap for 4 hrs or whatever your body needs. __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Benjamin Franklin lib·er·ty /ˈlibərdē/ noun 1. the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views

12-15-2012, 06:35 PM	#6
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: 2023 GMC Canyon, 2023 Expedition Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 37,375 View My Garage	I-75 through Dayton has been under construction for years now. Watch the signs super carefully or you'll end up in the middle of a cornfield in Ohio. And adding on to what Overflow said, as you approach downtown Tampa expect congestion. __________________ 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation 2023 Ford Expedition SSV (State-Issued)

12-15-2012, 06:11 PM	#5
Overflow Space Shuttle Aficionado Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 30,897 View My Garage	I-75 near Wesley Chapel and New Tampa is under a lot of construction. Be very careful.