Metro Atlanta drivers will want to plan ahead this weekend as another full closure of Interstate 285 gets underway on the city’s west side.
The Georgia Department of Transportation says all northbound and southbound lanes of I-285 will be closed between State Route 166/Langford Parkway and Cascade Road beginning Friday, September 18 at 7 p.m. The interstate is scheduled to reopen Monday, September 21 at 5 a.m.
Where Is I-285 Closing?
The full shutdown will affect I-285 in both directions between:
- SR 166/Langford Parkway — Exit 5
- Cascade Road — Exit 7
Drivers should expect delays not only along I-285, but also on nearby surface streets and alternate routes as traffic is redirected around the closure.
Why Is I-285 Closing?
The shutdown is part of GDOT’s ongoing I-285 Westside Rebuild project, a major reconstruction effort aimed at replacing and rehabilitating aging concrete pavement along the west side of the interstate.
The overall project covers roughly 10 miles of I-285 from South Fulton Parkway in College Park to the Collier Road area.
Crews have been using full weekend closures to complete work that would be difficult to safely perform while traffic is moving through the corridor.
Drivers May Remember What Happened Last Time
The warning is especially important because the previous full weekend closure in this same area did not go exactly as planned.
The last shutdown was scheduled to end at 5 a.m. Monday, but the roadway remained closed longer than expected, spilling into the morning commute and creating major traffic problems across the area.
Because of that experience, commuters who normally use this stretch of I-285 may want to have a backup route ready before Monday morning.
Suggested Detours
Transportation officials have recommended alternate routes including:
- SR 166/Langford Parkway
- I-20
- The I-75/I-85 Downtown Connector
Drivers should also allow extra travel time and pay attention to electronic message boards and posted detour signs throughout the weekend.
What Drivers Should Do
If you normally travel through southwest Atlanta or use I-285 between Langford Parkway and Cascade Road, consider:
- Leaving earlier than usual
- Using alternate routes before reaching the closure
- Checking real-time traffic conditions before heading out
- Allowing additional time for weekend plans and Monday morning travel
GDOT recommends drivers use the 511GA system for real-time traffic and closure updates.
Bottom Line
The closure begins Friday at 7 p.m. and is scheduled to continue through Monday at 5 a.m.
With the last shutdown in this area running longer than expected, Metro Atlanta drivers may want to prepare now rather than waiting until they hit the detour.
Stay with V-103 for traffic updates throughout the weekend.
