The Georgia National Fair comes but once a year, and thousands of motorists and their families brave the event traffic annually for the experience of the thrilling rides, the colorful Midway and the tasty funnel cakes.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is reminding fair-goers to 'Drive Alert, Arrive Alive' as they travel the west-central region's interstates and highways, on their way to the fairgrounds. The Georgia National Fair is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 4 through Oct. 14, 2018.

Many families will utilize I-75 to Perry, and those from the metro Atlanta area and much of north and east Georgia will likely come through the ongoing construction work at the I-75/I-16 interchange in Macon. Drivers are urged to slow down and pay close attention to the road and traffic. 

Penny Brooks, GDOT District 3 communication officer, says I-75 in and out of the Perry area will have lanes designated for those going to the fairgrounds, as well as those simply passing through. "There will be signage for the designated lanes. There will also be signs directing northbound fair traffic to take exit 134 at the Perry Parkway, and southbound traffic to take exit 135 at the Golden Isles Parkway." 

According to Brooks, the fair traffic usually flows well in and out of Perry. It's only during concert nights and special events that the traffic tends to back up. "Again, drivers need to watch for the signs that will tell them exactly how to leave the fairgrounds area safely."

Motorists are urged to keep their fair-going memories happy ones, by also keeping distractions to a minimum and focusing on driving safely through the area.