DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Weather permitting, Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) construction partners will open the new Interstate 285 southbound to I-20 eastbound ramp overnight on Friday, May 16, into the morning of Saturday, May 17, as part of the I-285/I-20 East Interchange project.
This opening is a significant milestone for the project in reconstructing key interstate-to-interstate connections at one of the nation’s most congested interchanges to improve safety and mobility for metro Atlanta and the region.
The access point for the new ramp will occur earlier (just to the north of the existing ramp) and will carry vehicles over the interchange to I-20 eastbound. Once motorists reach the end of the ramp, they will merge into the widened barrier-separated connecting lane, known as a collector-distributor lane. As in the existing configuration, motorists will still have the option to exit onto Wesley Chapel Road or continue onto I-20 eastbound.
This new flyover ramp provides a more gradual curve to enhance safety by reducing the need for dramatic speed reductions and thereby reducing the potential for crashes. The graphic above shows the alignment of the new ramp in green and the current ramp that will be removed in red.
The new flyover ramp will maintain a two-lane configuration, with a widened inside shoulder. Temporary signage is currently in place along I-285 to alert motorists of the upcoming traffic shift to the new configuration.
As with any project, the construction schedule is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Traffic impacts will be updated regularly via GA 511, the project website, and Georgia DOT social media.