Peach Tree Times

Contractors affiliated with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) are set to proceed with construction on the I-16/I-75 Interchange Improvement Project in Macon-Bibb County next week. The schedule outlines construction activities from Friday, March 28 to Friday, April 4, 2025, contingent on weather and site conditions.

Law enforcement will pace traffic at reduced speeds during overnight hours due to lane closures and traffic shifts. From Monday, March 31 through Friday, April 4, these restrictions will be in effect nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Specific areas impacted include:

- Monday, March 31: I-16 eastbound between the I-16/I-75 interchange and the exit at Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard/Coliseum Drive.

- Wednesday, April 2: I-16 westbound between US 23/Ocmulgee East Boulevard and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard/Coliseum Drive.

- Thursday, April 3: Riverside Drive near Second Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Additionally, Spring Street's far right lane and the right-hand on-ramp to I-16 westbound remain closed for several months, with traffic rerouted to the far left lane.

Construction activities planned for the week of March 28 to April 4 include ongoing work in several phases:

- Phases 4 and 5: Construction on I-16 westbound/I-75 to Walnut Creek involves bridge substructures and superstructures, new ramps, demolition of existing ramps, drainage installation, and retaining wall construction.

- Phases 2 and 3: Work from I-75 Hardeman Avenue to I-16 eastbound includes bridge lighting and guardrail installation, along with sound and visual wall construction.

- Phase 1: Evaluation of remaining work from the I-16/I-75 split to the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard exit continues.

The project, valued at $500 million, aims to improve safety and mobility by widening and reconstructing I-16, I-75, and their interchange over seven phases through 2030. It includes numerous infrastructure upgrades such as new lanes, on-and off-ramps, bridge refurbishments, and enhanced drainage systems.

Motorists should anticipate delays and exercise caution in the area, with changing dates possible due to weather or unforeseen factors. For real-time updates on traffic conditions and work status, contact 511, visit 511ga.org, or use the Georgia 511 app.  

"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."