
Labor Day Weekend travel forecast, road work
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Dragon Con and more: Atlanta’s Labor Day weekend traffic, weather forecast
Temperatures will be mild with highs hovering in the low 80s through Monday. Rain started popping up across the metro area on Friday, the second day of the costumed event. The Georgia Department of Transportation says motorists should expect heavy traffic on interstates from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and “moderate post-holiday congestion” is expected Tuesday from 3 p.M. until 7 p. m. The college football kickoff games on Saturday and Sunday should be unaffected by weather, as they will be inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For Dragon Con, there will be shuttle buses — distinguished by event signs in the windows — running attendees to and from various sites, according to the convention’s website. For the Aflac Kick-off vs. Tennessee Classic at noon Saturday, take MARTA to GWCC or Vine City stations. For more than 30 rail stations, go to CNN.com/Heritage for a list of some of the best spots to get around Atlanta.
Explore 15 places to eat and drink near Dragon Con
Forecast
Dragon Con started Thursday and runs through Monday, bringing tens of thousands of people to downtown Atlanta from around the world.
Temperatures will be mild with highs hovering in the low 80s through Monday. Rain started popping up across the metro area on Friday, the second day of the action-filled costumed event, and scattered showers linger on and off through Labor Day.
“We’ll see a good bit of sunshine (Saturday), and we’ll have some cloud cover around, especially on the southside of town, and I think that’s where we’ll see the best opportunity for a passing shower. But nothing that’s going to cancel those outdoor plans,” Channel 2 meteorologist Eboni Deon said.
Not much rain is expected Sunday, either. But a frontal boundary that will remain across North Georgia throughout the day could bring some showers to areas north of Atlanta.
There is only a 10% chance of rain Monday.
Still, carry rain gear if you’re going to be outside, especially to watch the Dragon Con parade Saturday. The procession gets rolling at 10 a.m. and runs down Peachtree Street from Linden Avenue to Andrew Young International Boulevard, where it will turn left and then left again on Peachtree Center Avenue to the Marriott Marquis.
Expect road closures along the route during that time.
Spectators don’t need a pass to watch, so get there early if you want a good view. The route is easily accessible via MARTA, just get off at the North Avenue, Civic Center or Peachtree Center stations.
College football kickoff games on Saturday and Sunday should be unaffected by weather, as they will be inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
But keep that rain jacket on hand if you’re running or walking the Big Peach Sizzler 10K & 5K race on Monday morning. Scattered showers are expected throughout the day.
Explore 5 things to do outside the stadium during college football kickoff weekend
Getting around traffic
With so many events planned for the three-day weekend that signals summer’s unofficial end, you already know Atlanta traffic is going to be doing its thing.
The Georgia Department of Transportation says motorists should expect heavy traffic on interstates from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and “moderate post-holiday congestion” is expected Tuesday from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
To relieve some of those potential backups, the agency is suspending planned lane closures through 5 a.m. Tuesday, though some closures may remain in place “due to safety or emergency considerations,” GDOT said.
Use extra caution while driving, as the Labor Day weekend is often deadly. Last year, 20 people died on the road, according to state officials.
If you want to avoid the inevitable jams, consider carpooling, ride-hailing or public transportation.
For Dragon Con, there will be shuttle buses — distinguished by event signs in the windows — running attendees to and from various sites, according to the convention’s website. The buses circulate every 30-45 minutes.
Just note that some routes will be unavailable during the parade Saturday.
Using MARTA
If you plan to take MARTA to get anywhere, keep in mind there will be crowd metering at high-traffic stations, the transportation agency said in a statement. Extra staff will help manage crowds, and barricades with signs will be in place to remind riders to board escalators one person at a time.
Escalator and elevator teams from MARTA and Schindler, an escalator manufacturer, will be on standby at stations and in the agency’s Emergency Operations Center, a MARTA spokesperson said. Emergency medical personnel will also be on site at high-ridership stations.
The busy weekend is another test for the transit system, which is heightening precautions after at least 21 people were injured during a July escalator malfunction following a Beyoncé concert at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Explore Vine City escalator that malfunctioned after concert returned to service
MARTA has more than 30 rail stations. Here’s where to go for some of this weekend’s big events:
For Dragon Con in downtown Atlanta from Thursday through Monday, take MARTA to the Peachtree Center Station.
For the Aflac Kickoff Classic / Syracuse vs. Tennessee game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at noon Saturday, take MARTA to GWCC or Vine City stations.
Aflac Kickoff Classic / Syracuse vs. Tennessee game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at noon Saturday, take MARTA to GWCC or Vine City stations. For the Aflac Kickoff Classic / Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 3 p.m. Sunday, take MARTA to GWCC or Vine City stations.
Aflac Kickoff Classic / Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 3 p.m. Sunday, take MARTA to GWCC or Vine City stations. For the Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival at Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark on Saturday and Sunday, take MARTA to Inman Park/Reynoldstown or North Avenue stations.
For the Pure Heat Community Festival in Piedmont Park on Sunday, take MARTA to Midtown Station.
For the Big Peach Sizzler 10K & 5K on Peachtree Road at 7:30 a.m. Monday, take MARTA to Chamblee (10K), Brookhaven (5K) or Buckhead stations.
Tips for using MARTA
Whether it’s your first time or hundredth time traveling on MARTA, the agency shared these etiquette tips:
How to navigate Labor Day traffic
The TxDOT Labor Day weekend travel forecast provides a day-by-day look at traffic conditions on some of the state’s busiest routes. I-10 can anticipate significant delays throughout the day on Friday, with congestion expected from El Paso to San Antonio, Houston and Beaumont. The full forecasts are available on social media, but another great tool is DriveTexas.
By Ryan LaFontaine
AUSTIN – If you’re celebrating the end of summer with a road trip this Labor Day weekend, TxDOT has some travel forecasts available to help you make plans.
The TxDOT Labor Day weekend travel forecast provides a day-by-day look at traffic conditions on some of the state’s busiest routes.
Travelers on I-10 can anticipate significant delays throughout the day on Friday, with congestion expected from El Paso to San Antonio, Houston and Beaumont. The morning rush is forecast from 7 a.m. to noon, with a second wave of heavy traffic from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The I-35 corridor is also projected to see heavy traffic on Friday, particularly from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. between Gainesville and Austin, and again from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. from Dallas-Fort Worth to Austin.
Drivers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area will face similar challenges. On I-20, heavy traffic is forecast from noon to 8 p.m. on Friday, impacting travel between Sweetwater and Terrell.
The full forecasts are available on social media, but another great tool is DriveTexas. This online map provides real-time updates on traffic and road conditions to help plan your route. You can also call +1-800-452-9292 to talk with a travel counselor.
TxDOT advises motorists to plan ahead, avoid peak congestion hours when possible, and always drive like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe. And if you’re celebrating with alcohol, always get a sober ride.
Labor Day travel guide: Local gas prices, look at the Rochester airport, and more
The TSA is expecting 17.4 million people to travel by air from Thursday, Aug. 28, through Wednesday, Sept. 3. More than 100 flights are expected to travel to and from the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport on Monday. Gov. Kathy Hochul put a pause on lane closures for construction on roads and bridges on state highways. Roadwork will resume at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, but officials still advise drivers to be cautious. The Rochester airport has been busier ever since it added more destinations.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Are you planning to travel this Labor Day? The TSA is expecting 17.4 million people to travel by air from Thursday, Aug. 28, through Wednesday, Sept. 3. There will also be millions of people traveling by car for one last celebration of the summer. News10NBC has your guide if you’re traveling.
How are gas prices looking on Monday?
As people hit the roads this Labor Day, gas prices are up slightly locally and nationally. Rochester’s average price for gas is $3.19 per gallon, up three cents from this time last week, according to AAA. The national average, currently the same as Rochester’s average, is also up about three cents compared to last week. Compared to a month ago, the national average is up by four cents.
AAA says flooding in the Midwest has caused refinery issues, leading to the slight price jump. You can explore trends in gas prices here.
How busy will the Rochester airport be?
More than 100 flights are expected to travel to and from the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport on Monday, making it among the busiest travel days of the year.
Airport director Andy Moore said the Rochester airport has been busier ever since it added more destinations. As with any holiday, Moore meets with airlines, concessions, and car rental companies to ensure that the airport is prepared in all aspects.
“We have nine airlines operating out of Rochester right now and 26 nonstop destinations, including destinations like Fort Myers, which is starting up soon,” Moore said. “Sarasota, Tampa, Nashville, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Las Vegas are all nonstop destinations. So with that, we’ve seen more activity coming through the airport.”
Do I have to worry about construction?
Traveling across New York State may be a little bit easier this Labor Day. Starting Friday, Gov. Kathy Hochul put a pause on lane closures for construction on roads and bridges on state highways. Roadwork will resume at 6 a.m. on Tuesday.
Hochul said she’s suspending construction to protect highway workers during a busy travel weekend. Some of the work might continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs, so officials still advise drivers to be cautious.
MoDOT to limit work during Labor Day weekend
MoDOT will limit traffic on interstates and state highways on Friday, Aug. 29, through Tuesday, Sept. 2. Crews will continue to keep one lane closed in each direction, but traffic will be moved to the southbound lanes.
Traffic will still be restricted in areas where there are permanent barriers.
Drivers who use Route 21 (Tesson Ferry Road) north of Green Park Road are to be aware of changing traffic conditions as MoDOT will shift the current lane closures in each direction over Gravois Creek and Grant’s Trail on Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 6 a.m. Crews will continue to keep one lane closed in each direction, but traffic will be moved to the southbound lanes between Tiffany Square Park and Green Park Road/Musick.
All work is subject to change and may be shifted due to inclement weather.
To see a full list of construction projects or to plan your detour, click here.
Labor Day weekend: Weather forecast, best times to travel
Drivers should avoid the road during peak traffic times, leaving before noon or after 8 p.m. Airports are expected to be the most crowded on Friday. Sun is in the forecast for most of the Labor Day weekend, with a chance of spotty showers. Temperatures will stay in the high 70s and low 80s – a perfect way to end the summer celebrations. The number of travelers is expected to reach nearly 3 million over the holiday weekend, which marks the end of summer.
The Brief Labor Day weekend travel is about to begin. Drivers should avoid the road during peak traffic times, leaving before noon or after 8 p.m. Airports are expected to be the most crowded on Friday.
Labor Day weekend is officially here, which means it’s time to soak in the last days of summer!
But don’t ruin a sunny holiday by leaving for your trip at the wrong time. Here’s everything you need to know for Labor Day travel.
Best times to travel
What we know:
Some drivers are already on the road, with road trips expected to account for 85-90 percent of all trips for holiday weekends.
So, when should you head out on your road trip this weekend? The earlier, the better! Peak traffic is expected from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday and noon to 8 p.m. Friday.
Here are the best times for the entire holiday weekend:
Thursday before 1 p.m.
Friday before noon
Saturday between 6 and 10 a.m.
Sunday before 11 a.m.
Monday before noon
These are the worst:
Thursday between 1 and 8 p.m.
Friday between noon and 8 p.m.
Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Sunday between noon and 5 p.m.
Monday between 1 and 4 p.m.
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If you plan on flying, airports are expected to be the most crowded on Friday, with the number of travelers expected to reach nearly 3 million.
NYC traffic
What you can do:
If you’re headed to the Hamptons, AAA says to avoid the Long Island Expressway around 2:45 p.m. on Friday. The trip could take more than 3 hours!
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has also suspended all non-emergency repair work on bridges and tunnels from Friday to Tuesday to help with all the traffic.
Headed south for a beach trip? Expect some major delays on the Garden State Parkway.
Labor Day weekend weather
Local perspective:
Sun is in the forecast for most of the Labor Day weekend, with a chance of spotty showers on Friday.
Temperatures will stay in the high 70s and low 80s – a perfect way to end the summer celebrations!