ATLANTA -- Transportation officials are warning drivers to avoid the downtown connector this weekend.

With the National Black Arts Festival expected to draw more than 500,000 people and the Braves game, officials encourage people to park their vehicles and use public transportation.

Please take note of the following road/lane closures on interstates 75/85 downtown:

1. The southbound lane closures are on the inside lanes and begin just NORTH of the Brookwood Split. I-85 lane closures begin at the Peachtree Street Overpass, while only the HOV lane from I-75 to the Downtown Connector will close. This may generate significant southbound backups on both interstates.

2. The northbound lane closures involve the ramps between Edgewood Avenue and 14th Street and the three right lanes. This means only the Edgewood Avenue exit will be available for those driving to downtown venues north of Interstate 20.

Drivers may call 511 for real-time traffic and travel information anytime, from any phone. Operators are available 24 hours a day to take customer calls.