Congested gridlock is a part of everyday day life in Atlanta, Georgia, but be way you can save time is to take advantage of Interstate 285.
Do you need to drive on metro Atlanta’s circular highway, this article will help you.
Interstate 285: Things You Need To Know
More than 2 million are said to drive on I-285 every day, coming from as far away as southern Tennessee and western Alabama.
The highway encompasses Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton counties and parts of Atlanta, Decatur, Clarkston, Vinings, Hapeville, College Park, Dunwoody and Doraville.
When Was 285 Built?
The first phase of I-285 was built in 1963 as part of the federal highway system to overhaul interstate travel around the nation. The interstate officially opened on Oct. 15, 1969.
The idea of 285 arose from plans for a loop around the city devise by the Georgia Department of Transportation.
How Many Miles Around Is 285?
I-285 is 66 miles around, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation. While the freeway touches Atlanta and DeKalb counties, it technically does not enter Cobb or Gwinnett counties, the two other major metro Atlanta jurisdictions.
I-285 is connected to three other federal highways, I-75, I-85 and I-20. Another major state road that cross 285 is SR 400, where the toll used to be.
What Time Is The Best Time To Drive Through Atlanta?
If you have to go straight through the middle of the city, it’s best to travel early through Atlanta. I don’t mean 8 a.m., but 5 or 6 a.m. at the latest.
The earlier you travel, the easier it is to get through without gridlock. Around 7 a.m., the rush hour begins and won’t subside until around 10 a.m.
If you want to know what the interstate looks like before you travel, go to some of the TV stations that will tell you, like:
One of the most prominent areas of I-285 is Spaghetti Junction. It is the I-85 interchange with I-285. If you want to know how to drive in Atlanta, you need to put safety first… and pray!
How Long Does It Take To Ride Around I-285? Let’s See
When you drive in Atlanta, you may think your fellow motorists are in a race, but Interstate 285 is a true racetrack.
Explore Atlanta at your own pace
First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. CNN Center often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
- For a month’s view: The Official Atlanta Events Calendar
- For a more immediate look, check Things to do in Atlanta This Week
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
- Here are the REALLY FUN things to do in Atlanta
- Check out these FREE events in Atlanta
- Feeling adventurous? Here are some outdoorsy things to do in ATL