Georgia – With the opening of an extra lane from mile marker 137 to mile marker 143, drivers heading north on Interstate 85 in Georgia may now enjoy an improved ride. This development is a key component of the I-85 Widening, Phase III project, which is designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety.
In the 13-mile project aiming to increase both northbound and southbound sections of I-85 from two lanes to three, between US 129 and US 441, the newly created lane represents an important improvement. Four mainline bridges will be replaced and widened at two separate sites, therefore improving the infrastructure and driving conditions along this busy corridor.
Reaching this new milestone excited Alicia Ashburn, the Georgia Department of Transportation’s (Georgia DOT) Project Manager.
“Together with our construction partners, the Department is excited to deliver another segment of improvements along I-85 creating a safer, more efficient roadway for motorists. We are excited to celebrate this milestone and build upon this progress to complete the project coming up,” said Georgia DOT Project Manager Alicia Ashburn.
This phase of the project builds upon the earlier completions of Phase I and Phase II of the I-85 widening effort. It is a component of a more comprehensive, long-range plan meant to stretch the expansion to the state boundary of South Carolina, therefore augmenting capacity and enabling more seamless traffic movement over the corridor.
Construction workers will concentrate on completing the extra lane on the southbound side in the following weeks; plans call for opening the third lane next week, depending on the weather conditions. The continuous effort to replace the mainline bridges keeps advancing.
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To guarantee safety, Georgia DOT has recommended drivers to stay vigilant while crossing the active work zone and follow the specified speed limits. Drivers seeking real-time information on traffic conditions and work status are advised to download the Georgia 511 app, visit the website 511ga.org, or phone 511.
The fourth quarter of 2024 marks the expected completion of the expansion project. Georgia DOT’s social media platforms will be used to provide updates on the state of the project and any schedule adjustments brought about by weather or other circumstances.
