The Georgia Department of Transportation announced a full closure of 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 for the weekend of May 8-11.
According to the announcement, the closure will begin at 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 during the closure period.
The department said that significant region-wide delays are expected across metro Atlanta and potentially beyond throughout the weekend. Heavy congestion is anticipated on I-20, I-75/I-85 (Downtown Connector), and Langford Parkway (SR 166), with spillover traffic affecting local roads throughout southwest Atlanta and Fulton County. Motorists are advised to allow substantial extra travel time, consider alternate routes or adjust travel times, and check traffic conditions before leaving using the 511GA app or other navigation tools.
Clearly marked detours will be in place: southbound I-285 traffic will be diverted to I-20 (Exit 10) then 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.
This closure supports ongoing reconstruction work on a ten-mile segment of I-285 Westside from SR 14/South Fulton Parkway in College Park to Collier Road. Contractor crews will mill existing concrete pavement and prepare for slab repair and replacement. The department said a full closure is required to safely accommodate heavy equipment operations, provide adequate workspace for crews, and protect motorists. The $206 million project is one of two major efforts along this corridor with construction scheduled for completion in 2028.
Drivers are urged to wear seatbelts, stay alert, avoid distractions, slow down in work zones, follow posted signage, and move over when possible. Additional information can be found on the I-285 reconstruction project website as well as the organization’s press release.
The Georgia Department of Transportation delivers transportation solutions that support economic development statewide; it employs about 4,000 staff members with an operating budget over $4.5 billion; focuses on developing roadways while supporting rail, transit and other programs; operates under the State Transportation Board; serves the entire state through its network; and works with local governments as well as federal agencies to advance transportation efforts—all according to the official website.
