ATLANTA – Traffic in Atlanta will be greatly affected this week as the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has announced the full closure of Interstate 285 in both directions.
Closure between State Route (SR) 139/Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive (exit 9) and Cascade Road (exit 7) in Fulton County will occur for “timely completion of the ongoing construction required to rebuild this segment of I-285, according to a news release.
“This closure will have significant impacts on travel throughout the metro area,” GDOT stated.
GDOT said the closure will begin 7 p.m. on Friday, May 8, and remain in place until 5 a.m. Monday, May 11, weather and on-site conditions permitting.
No traffic will be permitted through this section of I-285 at any time during the closure.
Major regional impact
This is a full interstate closure on one of metro Atlanta’s most heavily traveled corridors.
Motorists should expect significant, region-wide delays across metro Atlanta and potentially the larger region throughout the weekend; heavy congestion on I-20, I-75/I-85 (Downtown Connector), and Langford Parkway (SR 166); spillover traffic on local roads throughout southwest Atlanta and Fulton County.
“Anyone traveling anywhere in the metro Atlanta area the weekend of May 8-11 should plan ahead and seek alternate routes using 511GA or preferred wayfinding apps,” GDOT said.
Drivers are strongly advised to allow substantial extra travel time; consider alternate routes or adjust travel times; check traffic conditions before leaving using the 511GA app or other navigation tools or wayfinding apps.
Detour information
Clearly marked detours will be in place. Going southbound I-285 traffic will be diverted to I-20 (Exit 10) to I-75/I-85 southbound
Northbound and westbound I-285 traffic will be diverted to SR 166/Langford Parkway (Exit 5)
Overhead message boards and roadside signage will alert drivers well in advance of the closure.
Project details
This closure supports the ongoing I-285 Westside reconstruction project, which spans 10 miles from SR 14/South Fulton Parkway in College Park to Collier Road.
Plan before you go
Motorists should avoid the I-285 corridor on the west side of Atlanta; review routes before starting any trip to or through the region during the weekend of May 8 – 11; use the 511GA app or other wayfinding apps for real-time Georgia-specific updates; expect changing traffic patterns and follow all posted signage; expect the unexpected
Project overview
This $206 million effort is one of two major projects to repair and replace concrete slabs along the I-285 westside corridor. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2028.
Safety reminder
Drivers are urged to wear seatbelts, stay alert and avoid distractions, slow down in work zones, follow all posted signage, and move over when possible
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
