New rules may alleviate Atlanta traffic troubles

HAMPTON, Ga. -- Atlanta Motor Speedway is billed as the fastest track on the Winston Cup circuit, but the drive to the track for fans is typically anything but.

However, a new traffic plan in effect this weekend may provide some relief.

The basic concept is simple: If you arrive at the track from the north, you'll leave heading north. If you come from the south, you'll be directed south after the race. Track officials hope that will keep traffic steadily flowing from the parking lots, rather than backing up as patrons try to turn left onto the main highway heading back to Atlanta.

"A lot of times, it's the crossing of traffic patterns that stops everybody," said Angela Clare, Atlanta Motor Speedway spokeswoman. "If we can get traffic going out in two or three main directions, I think there will be a smoother process out."

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That means fans coming on Highway 19-41 through Jonesboro or west on McDonough Road or Highway 81 will be directed to parking lots on the north side of the speedway.

Fans traveling from Highway 19-41 from Griffin or west on Highway 20 or Hampton-Locust Grove Road will be directed to parking lots on the south side of the track.

Even so, Clare advises that traffic will be heaviest by 7:30 a.m. ET Sunday. One suggestion: Instead of coming down Highway 19-41, fans should consider taking I-75 all the way past the AMS exit. Instead, get off the freeway onto Highway 16 in Griffin, then backtrack north of Highway 19-41.

"If you're not on 19-41 by about 7:30, you're going to sit for awhile," Clare said. "It stays real busy usually until noon. The earlier you leave, the better. And if you're familiar with the area, you might want to try some alternate routes."

Clare said there may be a permanent solution in place soon.

"There's a new four-lane road planned from our property all the way to I-75, the Highway 20 bypass," she said. "It's supposed to be completed by the spring of 2005, so there is an end in sight."