The Georgia Department of Transportation has awarded two contracts totaling $370 million for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of approximately 17 miles of the Interstate 285 westside corridor in Cobb and Fulton counties. The contracts were awarded in late 2025, with project completion anticipated in spring 2029. Source.
The project aims to enhance safety, mobility, and freight movement throughout the westside of I-285, which is described as a vital segment of Georgia’s transportation network. The improvements are expected to benefit motorists and support Georgia’s growing freight and logistics industry.
“The west side of I-285 serves as a critical artery for metro Atlanta and the state of Georgia,” said Russell R. McMurry, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation. “This investment reflects Georgia DOT’s continued commitment to providing a safe, efficient, and resilient transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and the movement of people and goods.”
The reconstruction consists of three coordinated segments extending from State Route 14 (Langford Parkway) in Fulton County to Paces Ferry Road in Cobb County. Project features include improvements to ten interchanges (excluding the I-285/I-20 West Interchange), asphalt overlay on existing concrete pavement, replacement of median barriers, drainage upgrades, guardrail work, and overhead signage replacement.
Heavy construction activity is expected to cause travel delays as work increases in coming weeks. Lane closures will occur overnight on weekdays and weekends, with full closures between interchanges anticipated on select weekends. During these periods, traffic will be detoured via the Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85). Motorists are advised to plan ahead by consulting navigation apps such as 511GA before traveling through the corridor.
I-285 was originally constructed in the 1960s with an expected lifespan of 40 years but has been maintained beyond that period through ongoing investments. Since 2014, $60 million has been invested in preservation efforts on this segment. According to Georgia DOT’s Transportation Management Center, the westside carries an average of 194,000 vehicles daily with truck traffic accounting for 18 percent.
