The Georgia Department of Transportation announced on Mar. 27 that crews will install overnight and daytime lane and ramp closures along Interstate 75/Interstate 85, known as the Downtown Connector, in Fulton County. The closures are part of a project to upgrade tunnel lighting to energy-efficient LED systems and repair or replace equipment at 14 locations throughout metro Atlanta.
These scheduled closures include work at key overpass tunnels such as Capital Avenue/SR 154/Memorial Drive, Ralph McGill Boulevard at Baker Street, and I-85 from I-75 to Lenox Road. Specific closures will affect the Peachtree Street Tunnel, Memorial Drive and Capitol Avenue Tunnels, as well as Courtland/Ralph McGill and Piedmont/Baker Tunnels during both overnight hours beginning Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29.
For example, one left lane and the left shoulder on I-85 southbound near Lenox Road will be closed from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday. Exit ramps from the Connector to I-20 eastbound and westbound will be closed each night starting Friday at 9 p.m., reopening by 5 a.m. Additionally, four right lanes under the Piedmont/Baker overpass will be closed overnight for tunnel work.
According to GDOT officials, these improvements are part of a $30 million investment in preparation for FIFA World Cup events this summer. All projects are expected to finish by the end of May.
Motorists are advised to expect delays during construction hours and should use caution when traveling through affected areas. Real-time updates can be accessed by calling Georgia’s travel information line (511), visiting www.511ga.org or using the Georgia 511 app.
The department said it is committed to delivering an innovative transportation system focused on safety, sustainability and mobility across Georgia.
