The Georgia Department of Transportation announced on March 20 a series of lane closures, traffic shifts, and ongoing construction activities for the I-16/I-75 Interchange Improvement Project scheduled between March 20 and March 27.
The updates are part of a $620 million megaproject aimed at improving safety and mobility in the Macon-Bibb area. The project involves widening and reconstructing major interstate routes and their interchange, which is expected to benefit local commuters, businesses, regional travelers, and commercial freight moving through Georgia.
From March 24 through March 26, right lane closures will occur on both northbound and southbound lanes of I-75 between exit 165 and exit 166 (Pierce Avenue exit). A long-term traffic shift will also be in place through March 2026. Southbound I-75 traffic heading to eastbound I-16 will move onto new left lanes of I-16 eastbound. This change restricts access to the Spring Street/Exit 1A ramp; drivers must detour to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard instead. Northbound I-75 traffic heading to eastbound I-16 will also shift onto new left lanes but retain full access to Spring Street/Exit 1A as usual. Roadside signage and lane striping will guide drivers through these changes.
These shifts are necessary for crews to construct pedestrian bridges over the Ocmulgee River. In addition, ongoing long-term closures include Spring Street’s far right lane at the I-16 westbound on-ramp and the right-hand on-ramp to I-16 westbound; the Spring Street on-ramp has been relocated to the far left lane.
Construction activities during this period include pole and line relocations along Riverside Road, installation of erosion control devices, continued bridge superstructure work for various ramps and bridges, pouring bridge deck spans, demolition of existing ramps, construction of retaining walls, drainage system upgrades, sidewalk repairs with ADA-compliant ramps, street lighting installation along I-75, sound wall construction, and evaluation for remaining work items near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
The project is being delivered in seven phases with completion targeted for 2030. When finished, it will feature new collector-distributor lanes (CD lanes), additional interstate lanes, upgraded bridges and ramps, improved drainage systems, new walls for sound reduction or visual screening, all designed to enhance safety and mobility throughout the region.
Motorists are advised that dates may change due to weather or other factors. Drivers should expect delays in work zones and are encouraged to check real-time information by calling 511 or visiting 511ga.org before traveling.
