ATLANTA, GA - Georgia DOT and its construction partners announce the opening of a major phase of roadway construction on the I-285/I-20 East Interchange project, marking a significant milestone in the project's progress toward improving safety, efficiency, and capacity along one of the region's most heavily traveled corridors. Earlier this year, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) ranked the East Interchange as the 15th-worst truck bottleneck in the nation. This project has worked to improve interstate connections and increase safety and efficiency for all of the motoring public.
Weather permitting, the new I-20 westbound connecting lane to I-285 and I-20 westbound to I-285 southbound flyover ramp will open next week, a major milestone for the I-285/I-20 East Interchange project. In light of recent weather conditions, the final date will be finalized and communicated early next week, stay tuned to Georgia DOT's channels.
Once implemented, traffic movements will be modified and motorists should be prepared to transition from I-20 WB to access I-285 (NB and SB) approximately 2 miles before the interchange, and 0.5 miles before the Wesley Chapel Road exit ramp.
The new westbound connecting lane separates entering and exiting traffic from the general purpose through lanes, allowing motorists to navigate the interchange more smoothly and safely.
Motorists traveling on I-20 westbound will enter the new connecting lanes, also known as collector-distributor lanes, approximately a half mile east, before the Wesley Chapel Road exit. The connecting lanes will provide access to the Wesley Chapel interchange as well as I-285 northbound and southbound.
Motorists continuing on to I-285 will travel under Wesley Chapel Road via a braided ramp before arriving at the decision point to access I-285. Motorists traveling northbound will exit via the left lane, and southbound, via the right lane.
Motorists continuing to I-285 southbound will travel on the new flyover bridge ramp over the interchange before merging onto I-285 southbound.
By reducing weaving and sudden braking, the new connecting lane system enhances safety and improves traffic flow. It also replaces the previous loop ramp, which slowed commercial vehicles traveling through the interchange to I-285 SB.
"The opening of these new elements, some of the most significant changes on the East Interchange project, will greatly improve the efficiency of the interchange and we're excited that the time has come to share this progress with motorists and the community," said Georgia DOT Post-Let P3/Express Lanes Assistant Administrator, Beau Quarles, P.E. "While construction brings some growing pains, we're grateful for the patience of the community and look forward to finalizing the rest of the project this year."
The I-285/I-20 East Interchange project focuses on traffic efficiency and safety through coordinated operational and geometric improvements at this major interstate connection. Heavy construction started on the project in May 2023, and the project is expected to reach substantial completion in Q3 2026.
