Atlanta police say they are expecting large crowds for this year’s Peach Drop after last year’s hiatus

On By Littum

Atlanta police, along with E911, Atlanta fire and the city’s transportation department, explained during a press conference the city’s security plan to keep Atlanta safe as tens of thousands ring in the new year.

A large number is expected on New Year’s Eve after the Peach Drop went on hiatus last year.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum says street patrols and other task forces will be out patrolling for street racing and DUIs on New Year’s Eve.

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“We’ll have special teams stationed throughout the city, and if street racing is how you’re going to ring in the new year, I can guarantee you’ll get out of jail,” Schierbaum said.

The City of Atlanta Department of Transportation is preparing to close several streets in preparation for the event.

ATLDOT says they will begin closing some lanes Monday before fully closing more streets Tuesday.

TRENDING STORIES:

The closures will last from 6 Monday to 8 Wednesday.

Monday, December 30

  • One northbound lane from Upper Alabama St. SW to Wall St. SW

  • A southbound lane from Wall St. SW to Upper Alabama St. SW

  • One eastbound lane from Pryor St. SW to Central Ave. SW

  • Two northbound lanes from Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. SW to Decatur St. SEE

Tuesday, December 31

  • Full street closure from Decatur St. SEE Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. SW

  • Full street closure from Central Ave. SW to Peachtree St.

  • Full street closure from Marietta St. NW/Decatur St. SEE Alabama St. SW

  • Full street closure from Alabama St. SW to Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. SW

  • This street closes at 14.00, except for guests at the Fairfield Hotel

  • Full street closure from Forsyth St. SW to Peachtree St.

  • This street closes at 4 p.m

  • Full street closure from Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. SW to Alabama St. SW

  • This street closes at 4 p.m

Both the police and E911 say it will have officers and dispatchers working rotating 12-hour shifts.

E911 Director Desiree Arnold encourages those with non-emergency needs to use the city’s 311 helpline and not 911.

“So we’re not tied up on any emergency call, we’re ready to go ahead and handle those emergencies,” Arnold said.

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