Travel

Worried about holiday travel in GA? Check real-time road conditions before you get on the road

Workers make repairs Monday morning to the railroad crossing at the intersection of Veterans Parkway and Ninth Street in Columbus. The work caused the closure of a section of Veterans Parkway and the re-routing of traffic to adjacent streets.
Workers make repairs Monday morning to the railroad crossing at the intersection of Veterans Parkway and Ninth Street in Columbus. The work caused the closure of a section of Veterans Parkway and the re-routing of traffic to adjacent streets. mhaskey@ledger-enquirer.com

Approximately 119 million Americans are expected to travel for Christmas this year, with 120 million travelers choosing to drive. Although Georgia weather is fairly mild, it is also pretty unpredictable, so checking for real-time road conditions can be essential for safe travel.

Here are the top tools and methods for road condition tracking.

Digital navigation apps and websites

Waze and Google Maps provide real-time updates on:

  • Traffic slowdowns

  • Road closures

  • Accidents

  • Construction zones

  • Dangerous driving conditions like flooding or ice

Drive Weather: Offers comprehensive route-specific weather forecasts

WeatherBug: Tracks multiple environmental conditions including:

  • Lightning

  • Rainstorms

  • Winter weather

  • Wind speeds

  • Traffic conditions

Local traffic websites:

State-Specific Resources

Georgia 511 is an exceptional resource for travelers.

By dialing 511 or visiting 511ga.org, drivers can:

  • View current statewide traffic conditions

  • Receive travel alerts

  • Get information about construction and weather-related incidents

  • Connect with live operators for assistance

Pro Travel Tips

  • Check conditions shortly before departure

  • Use multiple sources for verification

  • Enable push notifications on navigation apps

  • Have backup route options planned

  • Avoid checking apps while driving

Whether you are traveling across the county or country, drivers should always prioritize road safety. It’s better to arrive late than not at all, and I’m sure there will be plenty of turkey by the time you get there.

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This story was originally published November 25, 2024 at 6:00 AM.

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