Peach Tree Times

Contractors for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will continue work on the I-16/I-75 Interchange Improvement Project in Macon-Bibb County. The scheduled activities, weather and site conditions permitting, will take place from March 7 to March 14, 2025.

From Friday, March 14 through Monday, March 17, a temporary detour will be implemented each night from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. A section of Spring Street near the I-16 interchange will be closed to traffic. Flaggers will guide drivers through the detour route. Southbound Spring Street traffic approaching I-16 will use Emery Highway, Coliseum Drive, and Riverside Drive to bypass the closure. Northbound traffic will be directed to Riverside Drive, Coliseum Drive, and Emery Highway. This detour is necessary as crews prepare to demolish the bridge over Spring Street.

There are ongoing long-term closures affecting Spring Street's far right lane at the I-16 westbound on-ramp and the right-hand on-ramp to I-16 westbound. These have been closed for several months with adjustments made to accommodate traffic flow.

The construction activities planned for March 7-14 include:

Phases 4 and 5: From I-16 westbound/I-75 to Walnut Creek

- Continue construction of bridge substructures and superstructures for I-16 Spring Street entrance and exit ramps.

- Continue construction of new Second Street bridge substructure.

- Continue construction of one new I-16 westbound bridge substructure and two superstructures.

- Continue construction of two new I-16 eastbound bridge substructures.

- Pouring bridge deck spans and edge beams on new I-16 eastbound bridge superstructure.

- Continue construction of two new I-16 westbound entrance ramps.

- Continue demolition of bridge ramp to I-16 eastbound.

- Continue construction of new MSE (retaining) walls along I-75 northbound and southbound and other walls throughout the project.

Phase 2 and 3: I-75 from Hardeman Avenue to I-16 eastbound

- Continue installation of Riverside Bridge lighting.

- Continue installation of Walnut Street lighting and guardrail over I-75.

- Construction of concrete sound and visual walls along I-75 northbound and southbound continues.

Phase 1: From the I-16/I-75 split to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard exit

- Evaluating project area for remaining work items.

The $500 million megaproject aims to enhance safety and mobility by widening and reconstructing sections of both interstates in Macon-Bibb County. It includes seven design and construction phases expected to conclude by 2030. Upon completion, it promises improved infrastructure such as CD lanes, additional interstate lanes, upgraded bridges, walls, drainage systems, etc., benefiting local commuters, regional travelers, commercial freight transporters within Georgia, as well as nationwide routes.

Motorists should anticipate delays during this period. Caution is advised while traveling through work zones with reduced speed limits enforced. For real-time updates on work status or traffic conditions, motorists can call 511 or visit 511ga.org or download the Georgia 511 app.