Real-time traffic conditions in Atlanta: presidential debate, football

ATLANTA — Thursday evening, several major events taking place in Atlanta are expected to make travel for motorists extremely complicated.

The first debate of the 2024 presidential election between Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump is taking place in Midtown, at CNN’s studios. Meanwhile, a few miles away, soccer fans are expected to fill Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 6 p.m. for a match between the U.S. men’s soccer team and Panama in the Copa América tournament. The return of thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening is also expected to pose another challenge for drivers.

The dueling events, which include presidential motorcades, are expected to disrupt traffic for drivers and anyone looking to get around the city on Thursday as road closures take effect.

11Alive monitors traffic conditions in real time. Check the map below or 11alive.com/traffic for real-time traffic information.

11Alive traffic expert Crash Clark said planning will be key to avoiding traffic on Thursday.

“It’s going to be a nightmare, on both sides of the connector, especially once they start closing it and putting in the Georgia State Patrol,” Clark said.

To avoid this, Crash said to avoid Interstate 75 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., given Biden’s arrival at Dobbins Air Reserve Base. Trump arrives at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport at 5:30 p.m., which means drivers should also leave that area until 6:30 p.m.

“You actually have to time yourself in and around all that traffic,” Crash said.

Specifically, Biden is expected to arrive around 3 p.m. at the Marietta Reserve Base, which means drivers can expect a roadblock on I-75: Georgia State Patrol will completely close South Loop, Delk Road, Windy Hill and others.

“Expect significant delays along I-75. Highway 41 will be your alternate route, but even Highway 41 near Dobbins is closed,” Crash said.

Regarding Trump, the closures should spread to the connector.

“Everything is closed,” Clark said. “Every entrance, every exit. »

The Copa America tournament will be held not far from the presidential debate. MARTA said it would use its rail and bus services to avoid traffic.

Doors open at 4pm and the match starts at 6pm

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“People heading into the Copa America, you’re the one who has to make your plan,” Clark said. “This plan will definitely be MARTA.”

The transport department said that train service would be increased and peak hours would also be peak service hours.

“There will be more trains coming, so it will be easier for customers to get there to watch the game,” said Payson Schwin of MARTA.

Schwin suggested people download the MARTA on the go app to check train schedules.