Construction continues on the I-16/I-75 Interchange Improvement Project in Macon-Bibb County, with several lane closures and traffic shifts scheduled for the week of February 20 to February 27, 2026. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) announced that contractors will carry out various activities as part of ongoing work to improve safety and mobility at this major interchange.
Lane closures are planned on Spring Street from Monday, February 23 through Friday, February 27. These nightly closures will occur from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. to allow for light installation under the bridge. Additionally, there will be traffic pacing on Exit 2 of the I-16 eastbound off-ramp at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and contractor flagging operations on Second Street during this period.
A long-term traffic shift remains in place through February 2026. Southbound traffic on I-75 heading to I-16 eastbound is now routed onto newly constructed left lanes of I-16 eastbound, restricting access to the Spring Street/Exit 1A ramp; drivers must use Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard instead. Northbound I-75 drivers can still exit at Spring Street as usual. Roadside signs and lane striping are guiding motorists through these new patterns, which enable crews to construct pedestrian bridges over the Ocmulgee River.
Spring Street’s far right lane at the I-16 westbound on-ramp and the right-hand on-ramp itself remain closed for several months; the relocated on-ramp is now accessed from the far left lane.
Work scheduled for February 20–27 includes pole and line relocations along Riverside Road, installation of erosion control devices, continued construction of bridge substructures and superstructures for ramps and bridges associated with both interstates, pouring bridge deck spans and edge beams, demolition work on existing ramps, building retaining walls throughout the project area, installing drainage structures, repairing sidewalks and ADA-compliant ramps along I-75, street lighting installation, sound wall construction along both northbound and southbound lanes of I-75, and evaluating remaining work items between the interchange split and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard exit.
The $620 million megaproject involves widening and reconstructing portions of I-16, I-75, and their interchange in seven phases expected to continue through 2030. Upon completion, it will feature collector-distributor lanes, additional interstate lanes, upgraded ramps and bridges—including improvements to eleven bridges—new walls and enhanced drainage systems intended to benefit local commuters as well as regional travelers and freight movement across Georgia.
Motorists should expect delays due to these activities. GDOT advises drivers to exercise caution in work zones by reducing speed. Travelers can obtain real-time updates about road conditions by calling 511 or visiting https://511ga.org/.
“Dates may change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are advised to expect delays, exercise caution, and reduce their speed while traveling through work zones. Before heading out, get real-time information on work status and traffic conditions. Call 511, visit 511ga.org or download the Georgia 511 app,” stated GDOT.
“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.
