Planning on driving anywhere this weekend, Atlanta? Well, think again. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is shutting down all lanes of I-285 on Atlanta’s westside this weekend as a part of their I-285 Westside Rebuild.
And we’re expecting major traffic from it. Keep scrolling to learn more.
Wait… didn’t this already happen?
Yes, but… there’s more work that needs to be done.
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation,
Weather and onsite conditions permitting, contractor work crews on behalf of the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will implement the second full closure of all northbound and southbound lanes of I-285 between SR 139/Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (Exit 9) and Cascade Road (Exit 7). While necessary for timely completion of the ongoing construction required to rebuild this segment of I-285, this closure will have significant impacts on travel throughout the metro area.
When will the weekend closure be?
This weekend-long interstate closure will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, June 5th, and remain in place until 5 a.m. Monday, June 8th.
🚧 No traffic will be permitted through this section of I-285 at any time during the closure.
Where exactly will the closure be?
Drivers can expect a full closure of all northbound and southbound lanes of I-285 between SR 139/Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (Exit 9) and Cascade Road (Exit 7).
🚧 In addition to the full closure on I-285 between Cascade Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, one left lane will be closed on I-285 northbound between Washington Road (exit 1) and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (exit 9).
What are the detours?
As you drive, you will be able to see clearly marked detours on the road. But just so you know ahead of time:
🚧 Southbound I-285 traffic: Diverted to I-20 (Exit 10 A) to I-75/I-85 southbound
🚧 Northbound and westbound I-285 traffic: Diverted to SR 166/Langford Parkway (Exit 5)
What should I do to plan?
Ideally? Stay off the roads. Even though this is just a small section of interstate, it’s going to affect the entire Metro ATL area with delays, congestion, and gridlock.
Here are some ways you can adapt to this weekend’s traffic news:
- 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