ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Interstate 285 on Atlanta’s Westside will close in both directions this weekend for the ninth full shutdown of the corridor since spring, one week after a closure in Smyrna produced two days of gridlock that the Georgia Department of Transportation blames largely on truck drivers who ignored posted detours.
The closure begins at 7 p.m. Friday, October 23, on I-285 in both directions between Cascade Road (Exit 7) and Highway 166 (Exit 5). All lanes are expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, October 26.
Last Weekend’s Gridlock
Tractor-trailers clogged side roads in Cobb County during last weekend’s full closure in Smyrna. Residents in the Cumberland area told 11Alive they felt trapped in their homes as drivers hunted for alternate routes. One resident said it took about 30 minutes to travel a half mile.
GDOT said a major factor in the backups was tractor-trailer drivers ignoring posted detours and trying to drive through the area anyway.
Trucking leaders see it differently. They said many drivers were confused, since trucks are generally not allowed inside I-285 unless making deliveries. They also said there was not enough signage on southbound I-75 directing trucks into Downtown Atlanta and onto the I-75/85 Connector.
What Changes This Weekend
GDOT said it is working with the Georgia Trucking Association to get better messaging out to freight companies in Georgia and other states, post more detour signage, and improve coordination with local law enforcement.
GDOT is again telling drivers to avoid the closure area entirely. Suggested detours are I-20 or Highway 166 into Downtown Atlanta, then the I-75/85 Connector to head north or south through the city.
Traffic could be heavier than usual because of major events in metro Atlanta, including the Atlanta Dream’s Game 4 appearance in the WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena on Saturday afternoon and the Atlanta Hawks’ home opener that night. Commuters are encouraged to use MARTA for trips downtown. Motorists should expect delays on surrounding roads and allow extra travel time all weekend.
Information courtesy of 11Alive.
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