Atlanta Rush Hour Traffic (Roswell, Dunwoody: live, shop, to move)

[MantaRay]

I want to compare traffic in various cities in standardized (non-subjective) terms. I'm interested in how long does it take to get (strictly on the interstates) from 10 miles outside the downtown core to the downtown core in the morning rush hour traffic and from the downtown core to 10 miles outside the downtown core in the evening rush hour traffic. If I can find out what 10 mile times are, traffic comparisons become EASY and less subjective. I can easily know where 10 miles is by either my odometer or by exit numbers, which have become standardized to be mile-based. And in fact, it might be feasible for some people to do 15 mile rush hour times. Is anybody willing to participate in a little traffic experiement and observe Atlanta's 10 mile or 15 mile (or 20 if it applies) rush hour driving times?

[BobKovacs]

The thing is, alot of Atlanta's traffic isn't really in the core, so it's not necessary a useful analysis. For example, I work just south of the 75/85 merge- as "core" as it gets for the most part- and I get get on the highway and be 10 miles out (right around 285) in 10-15 minutes in the afternoon rush on most days. Now, from that point out, it might take 25 minutes to go 9 miles to the 575 split, as that's where the traffic starts to pile up.

[MantaRay]

So I75 rush hour times from the 75/85 merge to the 575 split are about 10 miles, 15 minutes and 20 miles, 50 minutes then?

[noah]

Another words traffic is worse in the suburbs. I've noticed this myself as well and been surprised how heavy traffic is in the suburbs in on weekends compared to intown.

Originally Posted by BobKovacs

The thing is, alot of Atlanta's traffic isn't really in the core, so it's not necessary a useful analysis. For example, I work just south of the 75/85 merge- as "core" as it gets for the most part- and I get get on the highway and be 10 miles out (right around 285) in 10-15 minutes in the afternoon rush on most days. Now, from that point out, it might take 25 minutes to go 9 miles to the 575 split, as that's where the traffic starts to pile up.

[Big L]

Originally Posted by noah

Another words traffic is worse in the suburbs. I've noticed this myself as well and been surprised how heavy traffic is in the suburbs in on weekends compared to intown.

I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that most of the outlying areas were not designed for the amount of people who live, shop, or work there. There are still a lot of two-lane roads and four-way stops in areas that are now heavily-populated due to development.

On another note, some suburban areas tend to still have a lot of traffic on weekends due to the fact that in most areas a person doesn't have to go "intown" for a lot of things. A person who lives in Cobb or Gwinnett will more than likely do their eating and shopping there rather than going into Downtown Atlanta or to another part of the Metro area.

[noah]

Good points. Although I know a lot of people in the suburbs who come in to town every weekend because all their favorite places to eat are in town.

Originally Posted by Big L

I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that most of the outlying areas were not designed for the amount of people who live, shop, or work there. There are still a lot of two-lane roads and four-way stops in areas that are now heavily-populated due to development.

On another note, some suburban areas tend to still have a lot of traffic on weekends due to the fact that in most areas a person doesn't have to go "intown" for a lot of things. A person who lives in Cobb or Gwinnett will more than likely do their eating and shopping there rather than going into Downtown Atlanta or to another part of the Metro area.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by Big L

On another note, some suburban areas tend to still have a lot of traffic on weekends due to the fact that in most areas a person doesn't have to go "intown" for a lot of things. A person who lives in Cobb or Gwinnett will more than likely do their eating and shopping there rather than going into Downtown Atlanta or to another part of the Metro area.

Yup. The only resources we use in Atlanta these days are the Shakespeare Tavern and the Starlight Six drive-in.

[Condo_Buyer]

Does anyone know about the reverse commute times? I am planning to move intown (midtown) but I work in Lawrenceville just off of I85 on Sugarloaf Pkwy. I was wondering whether my commute time will be less because I will be doing a reverse commute.

Thanks in advance.

[BobKovacs]

Originally Posted by noah

Another words traffic is worse in the suburbs. I've noticed this myself as well and been surprised how heavy traffic is in the suburbs in on weekends compared to intown.

That's a bit of a blanket statement. Yes, some of the denser burbs have some nasty traffic, like parts of Dunwoody, Roswell and East Cobb, but up by me in Cherokee County we have very little. I have to drive through traffic to commute downtown if I don't go in early (which I do 99% of the time), but we don't have to deal with it otherwise.

[BobKovacs]

Originally Posted by noah

Good points. Although I know a lot of people in the suburbs who come in to town every weekend because all their favorite places to eat are in town.

Not us- my wife has been downtown a handful of times since we moved here two years ago- a trip to the aquarium, a trip to the zoo, and a few visits to my office- otherwise, we rarely leave Cherokee, and when we do its usually into East Cobb or North Fulton. Most of our neighbors are the same way.