The Georgia Department of Transportation announced on May 8 that all northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 285 between State Route 139/Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive (exit 9) and Cascade Road (exit 7) in Fulton County will be fully closed from Friday, May 8 at 7 p.m. until Monday, May 11 at 5 a.m. The closure is required for ongoing reconstruction work on this segment of I-285.
This closure is expected to have a major impact on travel throughout the metro Atlanta area. Motorists are advised to plan ahead as significant delays are anticipated across the region, with heavy congestion likely on I-20, I-75/I-85, SR 166/Langford Parkway, and local roads in southwest Atlanta and Fulton County.
Detours will be clearly marked during the closure period. Southbound traffic will be diverted to I-20 (Exit 10) toward I-75/I-85 southbound, while northbound and westbound traffic will be directed to SR 166/Langford Parkway (Exit 5). Overhead message boards and roadside signage will provide advance notice of the detour routes.
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, “Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability and mobility.” The $206 million project involves milling existing concrete pavement as well as slab repair and replacement along a ten-mile stretch from SR14/South Fulton Parkway in College Park to Collier Road. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2028.
Motorists are encouraged by GDOT officials to avoid the west side corridor of I-285 during this time frame: “Anyone traveling anywhere in the metro Atlanta area this weekend should plan ahead.” Drivers should allow extra travel time or consider alternate routes. Safety reminders include slowing down through work zones, following posted signage, staying alert without distractions, moving over when possible for crews or emergency vehicles, and wearing seatbelts.
The Georgia Department of Transportation delivers transportation solutions that support economic development across Georgia; it employs about four thousand staff members with an operating budget over $4.5 billion; it develops roadways while supporting rail transit programs; it operates under the State Transportation Board; serves residents statewide through its network; and works closely with local governments as well as federal agencies—all according to the official website.
