ATLANTA — Atlanta’s mayor is warning drivers to have a full tank of gas on Monday because traffic is expected to be extremely heavy.
Kasim Reed said that traffic and travel times could be 30 percent higher than usual on Monday as many families return from spring break and have to deal with the Interstate 85 construction.
In a news conference Friday, Reed said the commute will not be a “business as usual situation at all.” He warned drivers to pack their patience.
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Many schools have been on spring break since the fiery collapse of I-85 near GA 400.
Reed said traffic will be the worst between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. He is asking, if possible, for companies to let employees report to work during off hours.
The city of Atlanta will have a delayed start of 10 a.m. Monday for nonessential employees.
Drivers are urged to use alternate modes of transportation on Monday or to telecommute, if possible.
"Our partners at MARTA are already preparing for increased ridership on Monday. They will have trains running every six minutes during the rush-hour commutes," Reed said.
Reed said officials are worried that if drivers do not have a full tank of gas, some people may become stuck on the roads.
"We are really concerned about people being stranded on the highways and not having access to their air conditioning because they aren't carrying full fuel loads," he said. "If you get in a car to go to work on the north side of the city without a full tank of gas, you really are putting yourself in jeopardy."