Atlanta Traffic

Question

My husband had to go to Piedmont Hospital in Sept. His appointment is at 8:40, which means we will be on I75 going north during morning Rush Hour between 7:30-8:30. We are older and not used to driving in that kind of heavy traffic. There are some alternate routes but we are concerned about driving in unsafe areas. Mapquest lists three alternates. One is coming north on Hwy 19 through Hampton, Lovejoy and to Hwy 41, turning onto Northside Drive to Deering Road and then turning on Peachtree Street, which is where hospital is located. A second alternative is coming north on Hwy 19 and then Hwy 92, Hwy 279 and turning eventually onto Northside Drive and Peachtree. The third alternative is Hwy 19 N, Hwy 362, Hwy 85 S, Ga 279, US 29 and eventually turning onto Northside and Peachtree. Can anyone tell me if those routes are safe and not through dangerous neighborhoods. I am terrified of driving on I75 north during Rush Hour.

Answer

I understand your concern about driving in heavy traffic, especially during the morning rush hour in Atlanta. I75 north can indeed be challenging, so it's good that you're looking into alternate routes. Let me break down your options for you and offer some insights on safety and traffic considerations:

Route 1: Highway 19 through Hampton, Lovejoy, to Highway 41, then Northside Drive and Peachtree Street: - This route avoids I-75 entirely, which can be a relief during rush hour. - Hampton and Lovejoy are suburban areas with less traffic compared to the highways. These towns are generally safe, though Lovejoy is a bit more industrial. You should be fine driving through these areas, especially during early morning hours when traffic is lighter. - Turning onto Northside Drive and then Peachtree Street will get you close to the hospital. Northside Drive can be a bit congested, but it’s a major thoroughfare, and you’re likely to see more traffic near the hospital. - Overall, this route seems like a good, less stressful alternative, and it avoids high-traffic areas like I-75 and downtown Atlanta.
Route 2: Highway 19, Highway 92, Highway 279, Northside Drive, Peachtree: - Highway 92 and Highway 279 are more local roads that connect to Northside Drive. These areas are more residential and can be a bit tricky to navigate if you’re unfamiliar with them. However, these roads are generally safe, and they tend to have less traffic compared to I-75. - You will be going through some small suburban areas, but they are not considered dangerous. The road to Northside Drive should be fairly straightforward once you’re on it, though traffic could still be a bit heavy as you approach the hospital. - This route is another alternative to avoid I-75, and it seems to be a safer and less stressful option compared to dealing with highway traffic.
Route 3: Highway 19, Highway 362, Highway 85 South, Ga 279, US 29, Northside Drive, Peachtree: - This is the longest of the three options and involves a combination of highways and local roads. Highway 85 South and US 29 are busier roads, but you’ll avoid I-75’s congestion. - You’ll go through some suburban areas that are not known for being dangerous, but you may encounter a bit more traffic on 85 and 29, especially as you approach the Northside area. - While this route is a bit more complex, it might work well if you prefer a slower, less direct option that avoids I-75 completely.

Additional Considerations:

Traffic & Timing: Morning rush hour (7:30-8:30) can be tough, but I-75 northbound is often the worst. These alternate routes will likely be less stressful, but you should still allow extra time, as suburban routes can sometimes be slower during peak times.
Neighborhood Safety: All the areas you’ll be traveling through (Hampton, Lovejoy, Highway 92, etc.) are generally safe. While some areas can be less populated and industrial, they are not considered dangerous for driving. As long as you stay on the main roads, you should be fine. However, it’s always good to stay aware of your surroundings, especially when driving through unfamiliar areas.
Parking & Arrival: Once you get closer to the hospital, traffic can get congested, especially near the medical campus. Make sure to allow extra time to find parking. Piedmont Hospital has parking facilities, but they can get busy during peak hours.

Overall, all three routes seem like safe alternatives to I-75 during rush hour. The first two options (via Highway 19) should be the easiest and least stressful, avoiding the worst of the traffic. Route 3, while viable, is a bit longer and more complicated, so it might be better suited if you want to avoid any major highways altogether.

If you are feeling uncomfortable with driving in traffic, you could also consider using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, especially if you're not worried about the cost. This would allow you to focus on getting to your destination while someone else handles the driving. Otherwise, taking one of these routes should be manageable, and I think you’ll find it’s not as difficult as I-75 during rush hour!

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