Atlanta, Georgia – In southwest Fulton County, a weekend drive on I-285 may feel a little different from the usual rush of brake lights and lane changes. This time, the slowdown is planned, and state transportation crews are asking drivers to plan before they get caught in it.
Beginning at 9 p.m. Friday, July 10, and continuing until 5 a.m. Monday, July 13, the Georgia Department of Transportation will close lanes and a key exit ramp on I-285 northbound as part of the long-running I-285 Westside Rebuild. The work is focused on a busy stretch of the Perimeter where old concrete is being prepared for repairs or replacement.
The closures will affect I-285 northbound between Cascade Road, exit 7, and SR 139/Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, exit 9. During the weekend work period, two right lanes will be closed in that area. In addition, the I-285 northbound exit ramp to SR 139/Martin Luther King Jr. Drive will be closed to traffic.
Drivers who normally use that ramp will be sent on a detour. Traffic will continue north on I-285 past Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to US 278/US 78/SR 8/Hollowell Parkway, exit 12. From there, drivers will return on I-285 southbound and exit at SR 139/Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, exit 9.
The work is part of a larger concrete slab reconstruction and rehabilitation effort along the west side of I-285, running from SR 14/South Fulton Parkway in College Park to Collier Road. GDOT says crews will be milling and grinding roadway concrete so the slabs can later be repaired or replaced through the project area.
That kind of work needs room. The lane closures are meant to give crews enough space to operate safely while large equipment is in use, while also keeping drivers away from active construction activity. Motorists should expect shifting traffic patterns, signs, message boards and changing lane conditions throughout the weekend.
GDOT is warning drivers to build in significant extra travel time if they must use this part of I-285. The agency is also encouraging motorists to choose alternate routes in advance rather than waiting until they are already near the closure.
For real-time updates, drivers are urged to use the 511GA app as the main source for Georgia-specific traffic conditions and lane closure information. Other navigation apps may help, but GDOT says 511GA offers the most up-to-date information for drivers trying to move around construction-related closures.
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The I-285 Westside Rebuild is a $206 million project and one of two projects along the westside corridor aimed at repairing or replacing concrete slabs. The work is scheduled for completion in 2028.
GDOT is also reminding drivers to use extra caution near work zones. Motorists should reduce speed, follow posted signs, wear seatbelts, avoid distractions and move over one lane when possible to help protect road crews and other drivers.
