The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) has announced upcoming lane and ramp closures as part of the 16@95 Improvement Projects. These projects aim to widen Interstate 16 (I-16) and reconstruct the I-16/I-95 Interchange. The closures are scheduled to begin on Sunday, March 1, and continue through Saturday, March 7.
During daytime hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., intermittent right and left lane closures will take place on I-16 westbound between the I-16/I-516 Interchange (milepost 164) and the I-16/I-95 Interchange (milepost 157). From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., similar closures will occur on I-16 eastbound in the same area. Additionally, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be intermittent lane closures on both directions of I-516 at the I-16 Interchange between mileposts 5 and 6.
Nighttime work is also planned. From 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., intermittent lane closures are set for both directions of I-16 between the same interchanges mentioned above, as well as on I-516 at the I-16 Interchange. Double lane closures are scheduled for I-95 northbound at the I-16 overpass (mileposts 98 to 100) and southbound (mileposts 101 to 98) from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Detours will be implemented during certain ramp closures but will not overlap with each other, according to Georgia DOT. For example, when the ramp from I-16 eastbound to I-516 eastbound (Exit 164 East) is closed between March 1 and March 7 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., motorists should exit onto I-516 West, then use West Gwinnett Street before accessing I-516 eastbound again. A similar detour applies for those needing access from I-16 eastbound to I-516 westbound during nighttime hours.
No more than one ramp in the interchange will be closed at any given time, ensuring that traffic flow is maintained as much as possible during construction activities.
Georgia DOT advises drivers that exact closure times may change due to weather conditions or other factors affecting construction progress. There may also be additional traffic pacing or intermittent closures within work zones beyond those listed here.
For safety reasons, motorists are encouraged “to expect delays, exercise caution, reduce their speed while traveling through work zones, stay alert, and watch for workers.” Real-time updates about roadwork status and traffic conditions can be accessed by calling Georgia’s travel information line at 511, visiting 511ga.org, or downloading the Georgia 511 app.
Work restrictions related to St. Patrick’s Day festivities will be observed: no roadwork or lane restrictions will occur from noon Friday, March 13 until Wednesday morning, March 18.
According to Georgia DOT: “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.”
