Georgia Department of Transportation

01/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/30/2026 13:50

Check Out the Latest Happenings at I-285/I-20 East Interchange Project!

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January 2026
In this Issue:
Upcoming Milestones
Map of the new I-20 WB connecting lane to I-285 northbound and southbound.
Weather permitting, the new I-20 westbound to I-285 northbound and southbound connecting lane system is set to open this spring. The new system -to -system ramp flyover bridge (WB I-20 to SB I-285) and the connecting lane, also known as a collector-distributor (CD) lane, are designed to help drivers merge more efficiently and safely onto I-285, removing two major conflict points that contribute to congestion on I-20.
What to Expect
  • Drivers can expect an earlier decision point to access I-285. The new, barrier- separated connecting lane will begin approximately 0.5 miles east of the Wesley Chapel Road exit (1.5 miles east of the current I-285 NB exit ramp).
Progress continues on the new I-20 WB connecting lane to I-285.
  • Motorists will exit right into the new lane, which will be marked by permanent signage, and can expect additional, temporary signage ahead of the opening to indicate a new traffic pattern and delineate the new exit location.
  • The new lane will run alongside I-20 before going under the recently opened Wesley Chapel Road on-ramp to I-20 WB in a braided ramp configuration. Motorists traveling on the on-ramp will have the opportunity to merge right to the connecting lane, or merge left, onto I-20 WB.

The connecting lane will carry northbound traffic to the new at-grade ramp to I-285 NB or to the new, flyover ramp bridge for I-285 southbound traffic. The new bridge is set to open in conjunction with the new connecting lane this spring.
Benefits
The new I-20 WB connecting lane to I-285 northbound and southbound.
  • This new traffic pattern removes the old, cloverleaf design, replacing it with fewer conflict points and a more gradual curve.
  • The new ramp removes the current congestion seen on WB I-20 as vehicles slow down to maneuver around the tight curve and steep grade of the cloverleaf within the interchange, improving traffic flow, reducing congestion, and enhancing safety for motorists at this busy interchange.
  • Elimination of two major conflict points, the existing northbound and southbound on-ramps to I-285, will also reduce congestion on WB I-20 mainline, creating a safer and more efficient corridor.

The spring opening of these new features represents one of the last major milestones on this project before Substantial Completion, anticipated later this year. Crews will continue work on noise walls, lighting, drainage, and other finishing work through the end of the project. Remember to slow down, drive alert throughout the corridor, watch out for crews, and follow all posted signage.
Photos of the Month
Progress continues on the new, widened, I-20 mainline bridge over Snapfinger Creek.
Crews pouring concrete for a new concrete barrier wall.
Work continues on the new I-20 westbound to I-285 southbound flyover bridge.
Let's Connect
Stay informed on the project's progress by using the various communication channels provided by the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT):
Subscribe for Project Updates
https://majormobilityga.com/projects/eastsideic/
[email protected]
☎ 833-418-4357
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I-285/I-20 East Interchange Project

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Georgia Department of Transportation published this content on January 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 30, 2026 at 19:51 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]