"First Day of Tributes: Jimmy Carter Lies in Repose at Carter Center After Emotional Family Service"

ATLANTA — On January 4, Georgia is honoring the life of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, with a state funeral. The solemn proceedings began in Americus, with a family motorcade departing from Phoebe Sumter Medical Center.

The motorcade traveled through several cities on its way to Atlanta, causing significant traffic disruptions statewide. Drivers were advised to stay alert for rolling road closures along key routes. Below are the areas affected and other key schedule details:

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) issued a statewide alert for temporary rolling closures in these areas:

• Surface streets in Sumter County
• I-75 N in Byron
• I-475
• I-75 N into Atlanta

The Highway 280 entrance to the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center was closed from 8 a.m. to noon. Public viewing was allowed along the motorcade route, with designated parking at the east-side pecan grove. The Georgia State Patrol closed Highway 280 near the medical center at 9 a.m., urging visitors to arrive early.

As the motorcade passed through Preston, Ellaville, Butler, Reynolds, and Fort Valley, it slowed for public tributes. Traffic disruptions are expected to be significant near The Carter Center in Atlanta, where East John Lewis Freedom Parkway NE will remain closed until noon on January 7.

This article will be updated throughout the day with live coverage, providing real-time updates on road closures, schedule changes, and tributes.

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