With Christmas Day falling on a Sunday this year, the Georgia Department of Transportation anticipates more travelers than usual during the days prior and after the holiday. Motorists should expect increased congestion near malls and retail centers throughout this time.

“We anticipate heavy traffic throughout West Central Georgia” said District 3 Engineer Michael Presley. “Mall and retail center traffic will be particularly congested. Additionally, many travelers will be on our roadways throughout the week prior to Christmas and the following week.”

In West Central Georgia, high congestion areas include, but are not limited to the following areas:

- I-75 in both directions in Clayton and Henry Counties

- I-75, I-16 and I-475 in Bibb County

- I-75 in Houston and Dooly Counties and

- I-85 in Coweta County

As a reminder, Georgia DOT will suspend construction-related lane closures on all interstates and major state routes from 5 a.m. Friday, December 23 through 10 p.m. Monday, December 26. Incident management or emergency maintenance-related lane closures could become necessary on any route.

Also, Georgia DOT will suspend construction-related lane closures on all interstates and major state routes from 5 a.m. Saturday, December 31 through 5 a.m. Monday, January 2, 2017 for New Year holiday travelers in anticipation of increased holiday traffic.