Atlanta

City manipulates Waze information to divert drivers from side streets

ATLANTA — Many drivers are using neighborhood streets to get around the Interstate 85 collapse and the city of Atlanta is trying to stop that from happening.

Channel 2 Action News learned the city manipulated information in the popular navigation app Waze to discourage people from using side streets.

"It doesn't seem to be an entirely successful effort in these parts at least," neighbor Taylor Williams said.

This week, Channel 2 Action News noticed hazard alert icons that indicate "no thru traffic" on several streets near I-85.

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A city spokesperson said the city put the icons on Waze to try to divert drivers off residential streets, which they say aren't designed for such heavy traffic.

"Really, no matter what time in the morning you leave, you're going to be caught in it. It's really a mathematical thing. Too many cars in too little space," Williams said.

After Channel 2 Action News contacted the city about the hazard alerts, a spokesperson said the city has changed its mind, saying: "The city is aware the Waze hazard alerts denoting the locations of "No Thru Traffic" signs for residential roads may have caused some confusion to motorists, and the City requested that the alerts be removed."

The icons were removed from the app by Thursday night, but now some neighbors fear even more cars will start coming.

The city said it will keep working with Waze to make sure drivers have the most accurate information.