Local Thanksgiving Schedule and Area Traffic Information

Toccoa City Hall will be closed on Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24, observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Routes for garbage and recycling scheduled to be picked up on Thursday, November 23, will be picked up on Monday, November 27 and routes for garbage and recycling scheduled to be picked up on Friday, November 24, will be picked up on Tuesday, November 28.

Commercial garbage will be picked up as usual, but yard waste and other items will not be picked up.

The Toccoa Police and Fire Departments will be on duty. Utility department employees, as well as employees from the Public Works Department, will be on call for emergency situations.

The Links at Lake Toccoa will be closed for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, and will reopen on Friday, November 24 and operate on its normal schedule.

For more information, call Toccoa City Hall at (706) 886-8451.

Also, all Stephens County Government offices will be closed on Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Call (706) 886-9491 for more information. 

Additionally, in order to improve traffic flow down the Interstates during what is expected to be an extremely busy holiday travel period, the Georgia Department of Transportation is suspending lane closures on Georgia interstates, major state routes, and roads near major shopping centers, malls, or shopping districts this holiday weekend.

The lane closure suspension began this morning, November 22, at 5 a.m., and runs through 10 p.m. on Sunday, November 26. The suspension includes a pause in the work on southbound I-85, where G-DOT crews have been working to widen a 15-mile section of the interstate. 

Similar suspensions will be imposed to facilitate holiday travel during Christmas and New Year’s.

While construction-related lane closures will be suspended, travelers are encouraged to remain alert, as construction crews may still be working near highways, and certain long-term lane closures may be maintained for safety reasons. Furthermore, incident management or emergency maintenance-related lane closures could be implemented on any route at any time.

The 102-hour holiday travel period begins at 6 p.m this evening and  ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, November 26.  Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) will be out in full force and advise motorists to drive safely and have patience this Thanksgiving holiday.  

During the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday period, Troopers investigated 749 crashes, resulting in 401 injuries and 18 fatalities statewide. In addition to the crash investigations, 390 people were arrested for driving under the influence. Troopers and Officers issued 11,776 citations and 12,976 warnings.

AAA predicts 55.4 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving, a 2.3% increase over 2022.  This is the third-highest Thanksgiving forecast since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000.  Most travelers will drive to their destinations, with 49.13 million people expected to travel by car, a 1.7% increase over 2022. 

Motorists with plans to venture into the metro Atlanta area should exercise caution on Sunday, Nov. 26, G-DOT officials say, as this day has a high potential for crashes, with post-holiday congestion occurring between 5 – 8 p.m.

If holiday travel is necessary, consider the following Thanksgiving travel forecast for metro Atlanta interstates:

  • Moderate traffic on Monday, Nov. 20, and Tuesday, Nov. 21
  • Heaviest traffic and congestion on Wednesday, Nov. 22 between the hours of 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
  • Light traffic on Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24
  • Moderate traffic is expected to return Saturday, Nov. 25, and Sunday, Nov. 27 as people make their way back home
  • Heavy traffic and a high potential for crashes Sunday, Nov. 26

Here are some holiday travel tips from A.A.A.

Here are some travel tips to keep you and your loved ones safe as you travel this weekend:

  • Observe the posted speed limit. When you exceed the speed limit, you reduce the amount of time needed to avoid a traffic crash.
  • Observe all traffic laws and signals. Traffic laws and signals exist for your safety; failure to obey them can result in crashes that may seriously injure or kill you or others.
  • Do not drive impaired. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, rideshare service, friend, or family member to get you home safely.
  • Make sure everyone in the vehicle wears a seatbelt. Also, properly install child safety seats. Georgia law requires children under the age of eight to be in either a car seat or booster seat suitable for their age, weight, and height.
  • Show common courtesy to other motorists and pedestrians on the roads. Be mindful of your fellow motorists, especially the most vulnerable, pedestrians and cyclists. Stop at all stop signs, traffic signals and crosswalks, and check your blind spots.
  • Pay attention to large trucks and buses. Leave extra space when merging in front of these large vehicles, anticipate wide turns, stay a safe distance back, signal clearly when merging in front of, or passing, and be patient.
  • Do not drive distracted. Refrain from performing any activity that may take your focus off the road, such as texting while driving. On July 1, 2018, the Hands-Free Georgia Act became effective. It prohibits all drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving.  A link to the complete law can be found on the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety website at www.gahighwaysafety.org.

In addition to safe driving practices, here are some tips from Consumer Reports to ensure your vehicle is prepared for holiday travel:

  • Are your lights shining bright? Make sure all the lights are working properly, including high and low beams, flashers, directional signals, brake lights, and the license plate light.
  • Wipe away your troubles. Now is a good time to replace your wiper blades. Many auto parts stores will install for free while you wait.
  • Windshield washer fluid. Road trips can require a lot of washer fluid to keep the windshield clear. Keep a gallon in the trunk, just in case!
  • Keep the engine in top condition. Check the radiator and heater hoses for cracks and leaks. Generally, the antifreeze mix should be flushed at least every two years.
  • Check the battery. All batteries lose strength as they age, so don’t take any chances. Many auto-parts stores or repair shops will check your battery for free.
  • Pump up the pressure. Underinflated tires cause unsafe handling and braking. Check the pressure in all your tires once a month and before any trip.

Be prepared. Have a few basics along in case you do have trouble, including a charger for your cell phone, flashlight, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning light or flares, jumper cables, and the proper clothing including a hat and gloves.