The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) has started a major reconstruction and rehabilitation project on the westside of Interstate 285, covering about 17 miles in Cobb and Fulton counties. The department awarded two contracts worth $370 million for this effort at the end of 2025. This marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to modernize one of Georgia’s busiest corridors.
According to Georgia DOT, the project is designed to improve safety, mobility, and freight movement along the I-285 westside corridor. Once finished, it is expected to benefit motorists as well as support the state’s freight and logistics sector.
Russell R. McMurry, P.E., Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation, said: “The west side of I-285 serves as a critical artery for metro Atlanta and the state of Georgia. 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 work will be divided into three segments from State Route 14 (Langford Parkway) in Fulton County to Paces Ferry Road in Cobb County. Construction is scheduled for completion by spring 2029.
Project features include rebuilding 17 miles of roadway, upgrading 10 interchanges (excluding the I-285/I-20 West Interchange), applying an asphalt overlay on existing concrete pavement, replacing median barriers, updating drainage systems, installing new guardrails, and improving overhead signage.
As construction ramps up in coming weeks, drivers should expect heavy construction activity and travel delays. Lane closures are planned during overnight hours on both weekdays and weekends. There will also be full closures between interchanges on select weekends for interchange-related work; during these times traffic will be detoured via the Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85). The department advises motorists who use this corridor regularly to check travel times before each trip using navigation apps or services like 511GA since intermittent lane closures may increase travel time.
I-285 was built in the 1960s with its last segment opening in October 1969. Originally designed for a lifespan of about four decades, its service life has been extended through ongoing maintenance and improvements by Georgia DOT—including $60 million invested since 2014 on preservation projects along this stretch.
Traffic volume remains high on I-285’s westside with an average daily count of about 194,000 vehicles—18 percent being trucks—according to data from Georgia DOT’s Transportation Management Center. The area is important for freight because it connects with both I-20 and Fulton Industrial Boulevard—the largest industrial corridor in eastern United States—which meets I-20 just south of the I-285/I-20 West Interchange.
For real-time updates or roadside assistance information during construction periods, drivers can dial 511 or use wayfinding apps such as 511GA. Motorists are reminded to follow posted signs carefully around work zones by reducing speed when necessary and avoiding distractions behind the wheel.
“The west side of I-285 serves as a critical artery for metro Atlanta and the state of Georgia,” said Russell R. McMurry again regarding GDOT’s focus on supporting both economic growth and road safety through this initiative.
Further details about project progress can be found on GDOT’s dedicated website for I-285 reconstruction projects.
