I-285/I-20 West Interchange February 2026 Newsletter

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Inside this Issue:

• Construction Update

• Safety Tip

• Photo of the Month

• Workforce Development Program

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The new I-20 westbound to I-285 southbound flyover ramp won't just cross one road-it will span multiple major roadways and ramps, including I-20 eastbound and westbound lanes, existing I-285 ramps, and I-285 northbound and southbound. To clear all that traffic below, the flyover ramp stretches an impressive 2,700 feet long, roughly half a mile, and is made up of 20 individual spans working together as one continuous structure.

Most of the flyover will be about 44 feet wide, accommodating two 12-foot travel lanes, a 12-foot inside shoulder, and an 8-foot outside shoulder.

Above: Bridge bents within the interchange before beams are installed.

Above: A rendering of the interchange with completed flyovers.

The Backbone: Bents and Beams

Left to Right: Bridge bents within the West Interchange; An example of large concrete beams set on a bridge.

The bridge's construction starts at the bottom with the substructure, which includes deep foundations and concrete supports called bents. Construction on these bents started in the summer of 2025, and nearly half have already been completed.

Resting on these supports will be massive prestressed concrete beams. These beams range from 54 to 74 inches tall and from 120 to 165 feet long. They are designed to withstand heavy traffic loads and minimize long-term maintenance.

Bridge beams are part of the main event throughout the spring for the I-285/I-20 West Interchange, with the delivery and installation of the first beams beginning in late February! This is an exciting milestone for the project as this and the neighboring flyover ramp from I-285 northbound to I-20 westbound start to take shape.

Initially, beams will be set within the interchange and in March, beam setting activities will move to the spans over I-285 and I-20. Stay tuned to the project website and weekly traffic impacts for the anticipated timing of this work and overnight traffic pacing operations.

Big Beams, Tight Spaces

Delivering and staging the massive bulb tee beams is a major operation that will begin this spring. These beams-some stretching well over 100 feet long and weighing tens of tons-are fabricated off-site and transported to the project using specialized multi-axle trucks. Because of their size, deliveries are carefully scheduled during off-peak hours and often at night to reduce impacts to the traveling public.

Once on site, the beams are staged along the side of the interstate in designated areas, where crews prepare them for installation. Large cranes then carefully lift each beam into its final position, threading them between live traffic lanes and existing structures with precision that leaves little room for error. This carefully choreographed process is a critical step in bringing the flyover ramp to life.

Placing the Deck: Where It All Comes Together

Once the beams are set in place, crews will begin building the bridge deck, which is the concrete slab that forms the driving surface. Steel reinforcing bars are installed across the top of the beams, creating a strong framework. Then, ready-mix concrete is placed over the beams to form a solid, continuous deck.

Left to Right: The underside of a bridge deck showing deck with beams and steel pans; Crews pouring and spreading concrete onto a bridge deck.

Built for the Future

Every inch of this bridge deck is designed with durability and safety in mind. From the wide shoulders that accommodate disabled and emergency vehicles to the smooth transitions between spans, this flyover is built to serve drivers for generations.

So, when you travel from I-20 West to I-285 South, remember that beneath your tires lies years of planning, engineering, and craftsmanship-quietly doing its job to bring Georgia home.

Stay Informed

For the latest construction updates, lane closure information, and project details, visit the project website: https://0013918-gdot.hub.arcgis.com

To receive updates directly, sign up for the project email list here: https://mailchi.mp/96d237e23cb6/i-285i-20-west-interchange-project

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Love Is in the Air - And Safety Is on the Road

Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate the people we care about most-and that includes everyone traveling through work zones. While roses and chocolates are sweet, the best way to show love on the road is by driving safely.

Work zones are active environments where crews are just feet away from live traffic, often working day and night to improve our roads. When you slow down, stay alert, and follow posted signs, you're helping protect the men and women who are building a better commute for all of us.

This Valentine's season, give a little extra heart behind the wheel: put the phone down, leave plenty of space between vehicles, and be patient when lanes shift or traffic slows. A few extra seconds can make all the difference.

Because nothing says "I care" quite like getting everyone home safely. Slow down, stay alert, and spread the love in work zones.

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Photo of the Month

Under night skies, flyover support emerges for the future I-20 westbound to I-285 southbound ramp at the West Interchange Project.

For more information, contact the Workforce Development Manager, Ricardo Linton, at [email protected]or visit the I-285/I-20 West Interchange career page.

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