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Motorists traveling through the I-285/I-20 West Interchange have probably noticed that major changes are happening throughout the project corridor, sparking questions and comments. Many of these conversations have been circulating across various social media platforms, and they certainly haven't gone unnoticed. So, since you asked…
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Construction on the I-285/I-20 West Interchange looking east.
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What made now the right time to get started on the West Interchange?
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Large highway projects often take years from concept to construction due to the complex planning and approval processes involved. Feasibility studies and environmental assessments must be conducted to ensure regulatory compliance, analyzing traffic, land use, ecological impacts, and community concerns, which can take several years to complete. The preliminary design phase involves engineering, safety reviews, and coordination with utilities and governments. Securing funding, often through multi-year budgets or federal grants, adds to the timeline.
Public hearings and stakeholder input can lead to revisions, adding additional, critical steps to the process. Logistical challenges, such as land acquisition and infrastructure relocation, also extend the timeframe to get to the construction phase. These processes check and double check safety, effectiveness, and accountability, but they can also add to the time it takes to deliver a project of this size.
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The I-285/I-20 West Interchange project is a design-build project. The design-build approach consolidates final design and construction under a single contract, enabling parallel work, streamlining decision-making, and reducing the time it takes to deliver the project. This project is expected to be completed in 2030.
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What is the work happening?
The I-285/I-20 West Interchange project will improve the I-285/I-20 West Interchange and add additional lanes in Cobb and Fulton counties.
Ramp and alignment improvements:
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Removal of left-hand ramp entrances and exits from I-285 S to I-20 E and I-20 W to I-285 S
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Construction of two-lane ramps within the interchange
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Construction of a westbound collector-distributor system, or connecting lanes, from the I-285/I-20 West Interchange to Fulton Industrial Boulevard
Additional lanes will be constructed on:
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How do I find out what's going on? Motorists can stay updated on project progress by visiting the project website, contacting the project team by phone at 770-343-0770 (voicemail) or email [email protected].
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Holding It Together on the Highway
Next up in the construction of the I-285/I-20 Interchange is the installation of soil retaining walls. As work progresses, temporary retaining walls will continue to play a vital role in balancing the need for efficiency with the highest priority-safety.
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When you're driving down a highway, the last thing on your mind is what's holding the earth in place beside you. But behind the scenes, engineers have been using some creative techniques to keep earth slopes standing tall. Enter two contenders: soil nail wallsand wire basket walls.
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This soil nail wall is an example of what will hold the soil back on the West Interchange Project
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Soil nail wallsare like the ninjas of highway construction. You don't really see them, but they're there-literally nailing the soil back. Engineers drill long steel rods (the "nails") into a slope, add concrete facing, and suddenly the earth is held in place. The beauty? Minimal fuss, maximum strength. They're perfect for steep slopes near the road where space is tight.
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On the other side, we have basket walls-also called gabion walls. Picture huge wire baskets filled with rocks, stacked like giant Lego blocks. They look tough, they aretough, and they mix into the landscape naturally. It's a carefully built system that bends, drains water, and withstands pressure easily.
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Placeholder of a basket wall until we can get a photo from the project. Baskets have not been installed yet.
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Safety Isn't Scary: Drive Smart Through the I-285/I-20 West Interchange
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This Halloween, the real fright isn't a ghost or a goblin-it's speeding through a work zone. The I-285/I-20 West Interchange is under construction, and like a haunted house, it's full of twists, turns, and surprises you don't want to stumble into.
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Treat yourself (and others) by slowing down, keeping your eyes on the road, and giving construction crews plenty of room. Tricks like distracted driving, tailgating, or ignoring signs can turn a commute into a real nightmare. Staying aware of on-going and upcoming traffic shifts, lane closures, and new traffic patterns can help ensure you get home safely for your trick or treating.
Remember: monsters may be make-believe, but work zone risks are very real. Drive carefully, and let's keep this season filled with candy-not collisions.
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The new I-20 westbound to I-285 southbound ramp is under construction. Pictured above are three of the 21 bridge foundations Georgia DOT contractors will construct for this flyover ramp, all near the loop ramp from I-20 eastbound to I-285 northbound. Each location consists of a foundation underground, a column that rises into the sky, and a cap that supports the future deck above. Forming is used to mold wet concrete into the required shape as it dries. The center cap is complete and the forming has been removed. The right cap has been formed and concrete poured. The left cap is formed and awaiting concrete.
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Did you know?
Concrete barrier walls-often called Jersey barriers-aren't just there to divide lanes. They're engineered for collisions and help to redirect vehicles, reducing the severity of accidents. Their sloped shape helps deflect tires and bumpers, keeping cars from crossing into oncoming traffic or colliding with roadside features. During construction, the concrete barrier walls serve double duty by also providing sturdy protection for construction crews working just feet away.
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Workforce Development plays a vital role in the success of the I-285/I-20 West Interchange project. The project team is committed to building a strong team by actively recruiting local community residents for exciting career opportunities associated with this project.
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There are currently openings for:
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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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