Construction on the new Miller Road bridge over I-20 has been completed, reopening to traffic weeks ahead of schedule after a seven-month closure that began in January 2025. The new structure includes dedicated bike lanes and sidewalks, aiming to improve transportation options in DeKalb County. It also allows for the expansion of I-20 beneath it to accommodate auxiliary lanes.
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT), “Now reopened, this bridge will enhance the opportunity for connectivity via various travel modes and support the growing transportation demands in DeKalb County.”
Crews are finalizing work on the Wesley Chapel Road on-ramp to I-20 westbound, with its opening expected soon. Motorists should expect minor changes in their travel patterns as traffic shifts onto the new ramp structure.
The next quarter will see additional developments. The Fairington Road bridge over I-20 is scheduled to open, realigning with DeKalb Medical Parkway and creating a single intersection at Hillandale Drive controlled by a traffic signal. Also planned is a shift in traffic onto a new alignment on the I-20 bridge over Snapfinger Creek as construction advances toward completion in 2026.
In response to public questions about project milestones, Georgia DOT explained: “The new Wesley Chapel Road on-ramp will eventually intertwine with a connecting lane, also known as a collector-distributor (CD) lane, from I-20 WB to I-285. Motorists will be able to merge right to the connecting lane or left onto I-20 WB.”
On differences between road features, Georgia DOT stated: “Connecting lanes provide a barrier-separated transition between one roadway and another, carrying motorists through the interchange uninterrupted. Connecting lanes offer a smoother transition by removing additional traffic, reducing weaving, and streamlining movement for a more efficient drive. Auxiliary lanes are additional lanes which allow motorists to change speeds safely as they enter or exit the roadway, while connecting lanes provide transition points from one highway to another.”
To ensure navigation services remain current with ongoing changes, Georgia DOT coordinates updates with major platforms such as Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps. Updates are also sent to dynamic message signs and Georgia’s 511 system; however, there may be some delays due to internal processes within these services.
For further information about the project or updates on progress from Georgia DOT, visit https://majormobilityga.com/projects/eastsideic/.
