Lane closures and traffic shifts are planned as part of the ongoing I-16/I-75 Interchange Improvement Project in Macon-Bibb County. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) announced that from February 26 to March 6, 2026, there will be a lane closure on Spring Street from the north I-16 westbound on-ramps to the south I-16 westbound on-ramp for light installation under the bridge and overhang removal. Additionally, pacing will occur from milepost 1 to milepost 2 on I-16 eastbound near the MLK Jr. Blvd/Coliseum Dr. off-ramp at Exit 2.
A long-term traffic shift is in effect through February 2026. Southbound traffic on I-75 heading to I-16 eastbound will move onto new left lanes of I-16 eastbound, with restricted access to the Spring Street/Exit 1A ramp; drivers must detour past Spring Street and exit at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard instead. Northbound traffic on I-75 approaching from just north of Hardeman Avenue will also shift onto new left lanes but retain full access to Spring Street/Exit 1A.
Roadside signs and lane striping are being used to guide drivers through these changes, which are necessary for construction crews building pedestrian bridges over the Ocmulgee River.
There are ongoing long-term closures as well: Spring Street’s far right lane at the I-16 westbound on-ramp and the right-hand on-ramp to I-16 westbound remain closed for several months. The Spring Street on-ramp to I-16 westbound has been relocated to the far left lane.
Construction activities scheduled between February 27 and March 6 include pole and line relocations along Riverside Road, installation of erosion control devices, continued work on bridge substructures and superstructures for various ramps, pouring bridge deck spans, demolition of existing bridge ramps, construction of retaining walls along both directions of I-75, drainage improvements throughout the project area, repair and reinstallation of sidewalks with ADA-compliant ramps, street lighting installations along I-75, sound and visual wall construction along both sides of I-75, and evaluation for remaining work items near the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard exit.
The $620 million project aims to widen and reconstruct portions of both interstates as well as their interchange in Macon-Bibb County. Work is being delivered in seven phases expected to continue through 2030. Once completed, it will add collector-distributor lanes, more interstate lanes, upgraded bridges (11 total), new walls and improved drainage systems intended to improve safety and mobility for local commuters as well as regional travelers moving freight across Georgia.
Motorists should expect delays due to these changes and are advised by GDOT to exercise caution while traveling through work zones. For real-time updates about roadwork status or traffic conditions drivers can call 511 or visit https://511ga.org/.
“The Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs and maintains Georgia’s state and federal highways. We’re involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability and mobility. The Department’s vision is to boost Georgia’s competitiveness through leadership in transportation,” according to GDOT.
