Traffic snarls, big crowds expected over long holiday weekend

The Labor Day weekend is getting an early start today, Sept. 3, and traffic is expected to be hellish in Downtown this afternoon evening. A visit by Vice President Joe Biden and two football games – Falcons vs. Ravens at the Georgia Dome and Georgia Tech vs. Alcorn State at Bobby Dodd Stadium – this evening are expected to cause delays on the Downtown Connector and surface streets.

The Atlanta Police Department is also looking ahead to the long holiday weekend when more than 25 events and an estimated 600,000 people are anticipated in Atlanta.

The Atlanta Police Department in partnership with a host of local and government agencies have a comprehensive security plan in place for holiday activities. The security plan includes a strong law enforcement presence in the areas of the city with large Labor Day events including the Georgia Dome, Centennial Olympic Park and Piedmont Park. Additionally, mounted patrol and on and off-duty personnel will be available to assist with traffic and security issues.

The Atlanta Police Department’s mobile app will also help citizens prepare for holiday activities and features a detailed event listing and up-to-date traffic alerts. The mobile app is free and available on both Apple and Android phones.

Some of the events happening around the city this weekend:
· Atlanta Falcons vs. Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Georgia Dome 7:00 pm
· Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Alcorn State Braves, Thursday, Bobby Dodd Stadium 7:00 pm
· Chick-Fil-A Fan events, Centennial Olympic Park, Friday – Sunday
· Chick-Fil-A Game Fan Fare, Saturday, Georgia World Congress Center, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
· Dragon Con, Friday- Monday, Downtown, 9:00 am -11:00 pm
· Chick-Fil-A Bowl Game, Saturday, Auburn vs. Louisville, Georgia Dome, 3:30 pm
· Atlanta Dream vs. Washington Mystics, Philips Arena, Sunday, 3:00 pm
· Atlanta Black Gay Pride, Thursday – Monday, throughout the city
· Decatur Book Festival – Saturday and Sunday