McDonough to Downtown Atlanta - Is this just crazy? (Forest Park: to live, buses)

[krosepost]

I am relocating my family to McDonough and will have to drive into Downtown. I've read mixed reviews on this trek. Anyone here making the drive? I'd love to hear from you. thank you

[cwkimbro]

I don't live in that area, but have driven through that area and many others in town before during rush hour.

On a good note...

The traffic on the southside is fairly tame. Most of the growth went north, so traffic isn't too bad. It doesn't mean it won't back up a little bit, though.

It will get really bad after I-75 and I-85 merge to go into the center of town and it can get a bit bad around I-285.

But it is a long trek.

If you need to live that far away, I-75 South, I-85 South, and I-20 west are the places to do it.

[Othello Is Here]

Originally Posted by krosepost

I am relocating my family to McDonough and will have to drive into Downtown. I've read mixed reviews on this trek. Anyone here making the drive? I'd love to hear from you. thank you

Its worse anywhere in the Northern suburbs.You just cant escape traffic in Atlanta unless you live near where you work.

[atl1221]

Sorry but it's god awful in the morning. Afternoon hit or miss.

[jsvh]

As pointed out above, south side traffic is better than north and so it is physically possible. However, it will not be pleasant. I'd recommend you drive you drive it during rush hour a few times and make sure you really know what you are signing up for.

[Clayton white guy]

One thing is for sure, you will not be alone. Most people in McDonough travel to Clayton County, the airport, or downtown to work. The closer to Atlanta you get, the more congested. First adjustment in the morning usually comes at the Clayton County line between 138 and Mount Zion Road. Then it clears up somewhat a few exits until you pass 19/41 Old Dixie exit and it slows in Forest Park right before 285. Finally, all bets are off once you cross 166 (Lakewood Freeway/ Langford Parkway) all the way into downtown/midtown. If you are familiar enough with the street grid Atlanta, this is where I usually get off and take an alternative route. I have many friends, church members and acquaintances that avoid the drive all together and use the GRETA park and ride direct route to downtown/ midtown. Tad faster (HOV lane) and A LOT less stressful (they tell me they read their paper, coupon, read kindle novels, etc.) Of course GRETA buses only work if you work regular hours. People tell me they love them; just some food for thought.

[Othello Is Here]

Originally Posted by cwkimbro

I don't live in that area, but have driven through that area and many others in town before during rush hour.

On a good note...

The traffic on the southside is fairly tame. Most of the growth went north, so traffic isn't too bad. It doesn't mean it won't back up a little bit, though.

It will get really bad after I-75 and I-85 merge to go into the center of town and it can get a bit bad around I-285.

But it is a long trek.

If you need to live that far away, I-75 South, I-85 South, and I-20 west are the places to do it.

Its gonna get worse real soon as they are building some big projects in Henry County.

[oobanks]

HOT lanes might help

[fieldm]

Originally Posted by krosepost

I am relocating my family to McDonough and will have to drive into Downtown. I've read mixed reviews on this trek. Anyone here making the drive? I'd love to hear from you. thank you

No. The EXPRESS bus will take you directly into Downtown

http://www.xpressga.com/wp-content/u.../Route-430.pdf

[fieldm]

Originally Posted by Othello Is Here

Its worse anywhere in the Northern suburbs.You just cant escape traffic in Atlanta unless you live near where you work.

False. You can escape traffic by using the express bus, taking MARTA is possible and by traveling a reverse commute if possible