What Atlanta streets you should avoid on the Fourth of July

A lot of moving parts will be operating behind the scenes tomorrow to ensure Fourth of July in Atlanta goes off without a hitch—and to make sure Cabbagetown doesn’t practically blow itself up again.

Of course, as with any major event in the city, Independence Day means intown roadways are going to be especially hellish, jam-packed with locals and visitors alike.

You might already know which of the many fireworks shows you’ll be attending, and Curbed Atlanta’s sister site Eater has you covered in regards to which bars and restaurants will be closed for the holiday.

But with festivities aplenty, namely the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s massive Peachtree Road Race, you might need to know which typically car-clogged roadways you’ll need to avoid completely tomorrow.

Livable Buckhead

Tens of thousands of people are expected to converge upon Buckhead and trot through Atlanta down to Midtown for the 6.2-mile run, and more than 100,000 spectators could be lining the sidelines to root for them.

So the Atlanta Police Department is stepping up its game, with officers working 12-hour shifts to make sure the droves of runners keep flowing and everyone stays safe.

”The Fourth of July and the Peachtree Road Race are synonymous with Atlanta,” said Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields in a press release. “We want everyone to have a safe and happy time celebrating the festivities. Our officers will be highly visible among the crowds and stand ready to protect.”

Police recommend people who drive to the events don’t leave valuables in their cars, and they’re also encouraging everyone to utilize mass transit and ride-hailing services when possible to cut down on congestion.

Closures 411

At 3 a.m. Thursday, Peachtree Road by Lenox Parkway will shut down for the race, according to APD.

“All other closures around the start will occur at 4:30 a.m. on the morning of July 4 with the entire course closing at 5:30 a.m.,” APD reports.

After the morning race, the roads are expected to open around noon, although that doesn’t mean it will be smart to drive down them, considering the swarm of people likely to hang out afterwards.

Below is a list of roads the City of Atlanta is closing:

Thursday, July 4 at 3 a.m.

• Peachtree Road between Lenox Road around Lenox Parkway

Thursday, July 4 at 4:30 a.m.

• Peachtree Road from Lenox Road to Peachtree Dunwoody Road
• Around Lenox Road from Peachtree Road to Lenox Road
• Lenox Road from Peachtree Road to Ferncliff Road
• Buckhead Loop from Peachtree Road to Ga. Highway 400
• Phipps Boulevard from Buckhead Loop to Wieuca Road
• Wieuca Road from Old Ivy Road to Roxboro Road
• Roxboro Road from Kingsboro Road to Peachtree Dunwoody Road
• Pritchard Road from Roxboro Road to Oak Valley Road
• Lakeside Road from Pritchard Road to Kingsboro Road
• Kingsboro Road from Roxboro Road to Lenox Road
• Oak Valley Road from Peachtree Road to E. Paces Ferry Road

Thursday, July 4 at 5:30 a.m.

Entire course will close at 5:30 a.m. Only official vehicle traffic will be permitted along the course. City of Atlanta Police officers and volunteers will assist pedestrians crossing the course but once the main start occurs at 7 a.m. this will be difficult.

Tuesday, July 2 – Thursday, July 4

• 10th Street from Charles Allen to Monroe Drive.

· Closed - July 2 ‐ 9:30 a.m. ‐ 3 p.m.

• Re‐opens - July 2 ‐ 3 p.m. ‐ 7 p.m.

· Closed July 2 ‐ 7 p.m. ‐ July 4 ‐ 3:00 p.m.

• Re-opens - July 4 3:00 p.m.
• 10th Street will close from Myrtle to Charles Allen on July 4 at 3 a.m.
• Monroe Drive will close between Virginia Ave. and Kanuga St. at 6 a.m. on July 4 and will remain closed until noon.
• Peachtree Place will be closed from Peachtree Street to West Peachtree St. at 8 a.m. on July 4 and remain closed until noon.