Transportation officials said three culprits - Mother Nature, trains and ticket scalpers - were to blame for heavier-than-normal Masters traffic Monday.

Teresa Smith, the director of Augusta's Public Works Department, said traffic volume on roads near Augusta National Golf Club were the highest she had seen in a few years for the first day of practice rounds.

"I think a lot of it's weather-related," she said, standing inside a traffic-control center at Westside High School, where officials monitored camera views of traffic on Washington Road and other thoroughfares. The officials will watch traffic all week long, adjusting traffic signals as needed.

Ms. Smith said officials observed heavier traffic as more people headed to the tournament at earlier hours this year because there was no threat of rain. Last year, the tournament was plagued with showers.

Workers at the control center said traffic also became backed up on River Watch Parkway near 15th Street on Monday morning because two trains passed through the area within an hour and a half.

"It has a ripple effect," said Errick Thompson, the assistant director of the city's engineering division.

Mr. Thompson said traffic volume caused officials to close down Interstate 20's eastbound off ramp at 7:55 a.m.

De'Kevin Mole, a technician with Augusta's Public Works department, monitors traffic around the Augusta National to ensure the best possible traffic flow. The traffic control center will operate throughout Masters week from temporary quarters in Westside High School. (Jim Blaylock/Augusta Chronicle)

Mr. Thompson said another problem also worsened morning congestion on I-20.

"A lot of that had to do with people trying to sell tickets on the interstate," he said.

To monitor such backups and make appropriate traffic signal changes, the control center watches eight video feeds that update every few seconds, including one from a helicopter when needed.

Three officials, known as "spotters," also drive certain thoroughfares during the morning hours to clock travel times.

"I think we're getting (backups) addressed a lot quicker," Ms. Smith said.

Mr. Thompson said traffic should be "a little better" this morning and will improve as the week goes on. He advised motorists to use River Watch Parkway as a route to the tournament.

Reach Preston Sparks at (706) 828-3904 or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.