If your weekend plans call for a trip to, through or around Atlanta this weekend, you can expect major delays as all northbound and southbound lanes of I-285 will be off limits all weekend starting tonight.
HERE’S A DETAILED STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION EXPLANATION OF WHAT’S GOING ON AND WHAT MOTORISTS SHOULD EXPECT:
Weather and onsite conditions permitting, contractor work crews on behalf of the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will implement a full closure of all northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 285 (I-285) between State Route (SR) 139/Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive (exit 9) and Cascade Road (exit 7) in Fulton County. 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.
The closure will begin 7 p.m. Friday, May 15, and remain in place until 5 a.m. Monday, May 18, 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 — PLAN AHEAD
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
- Heavy congestion on I-20, I-75/I-85, and Langford Parkway (SR 166)
- Spillover traffic on local roads throughout southwest Atlanta and Fulton County
Anyone traveling anywhere in the metro Atlanta area this weekend should plan ahead
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:
- Southbound I-285 traffic:
- Diverted to I-20 (Exit 10) → I-75/I-85 southbound
- Northbound and westbound I-285 traffic:
- Diverted to SR 166/Langford Parkway (Exit 5)
See attached graphic illustrating the recommended detour. 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.
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.
Contractor work crews will:
- Mill and grind existing concrete pavement
- Prepare for slab repair and replacement
Full closure is required to:
- Safely accommodate heavy equipment operations
- Provide adequate workspace for crews
- Protect motorists
Please note: Additional full closures of segments of I-285 are expected to help facilitate faster construction for the duration of these projects.
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 metro Atlanta this weekend
- Use the 511GA app or other wayfinding apps for real-time Georgia-specific updates
- Expect changing traffic patterns and follow all posted signage