Georgia DOT Announces Substantial Completion on I-285/I-20 East Interchange Project

Georgia DOT Announces Substantial Completion on the I-285/I-20 East Interchange Project

STONECREST, GA - Georgia DOT announces the substantial completion of the I-285/I-20 East Interchange project, a critical Major Mobility Improvement Program (MMIP) project that reconstructed the I-285/I-20 Interchange, previously ranked one of the nation's worst bottlenecks. The project is located in DeKalb County and included eight bridges and over 11 lane miles of improvements.

Using the Design-Build-Finance (DBF) model, the Developer, East Interchange Builders, reconstructed the interchange in just three years, after the start construction in late 2023. This interchange project is a key component of the MMIP, a series of projects designed to provide improved mobility in key freight and passenger vehicle corridors across Georgia.

"This is another step in our commitment to Georgia drivers," said P3 Division Director Tim Matthews, P.E. "This project is a prime example of how strategic investments and coordination with our local stakeholders and municipalities can provide improvements for all Georgians. As we continue progressing the MMIP, projects like this are bringing tangible benefits to motorists in terms of safety and efficiency and moving Georgia infrastructure forward."

DeKalb County is one of the most populous counties in Georgia and has one of the most heavily traveled freight and passenger corridors in Metro Atlanta, with over 200,000 vehicles navigating the I-285 corridor daily. At the start of construction, peak travel time average speeds in and around the interchange were as low as 26.1 miles per hour, improving to 55.7 mph in the same area earlier this year.

"Reconstructing this corridor has been a top priority for the Department," said Georgia DOT Project Manager Beau Quarles, P.E. "We're thrilled to announce the completion of this project and a successful partnership with the East Interchange Builders. We're confident that the additional lanes and safer, more efficient design will help address the concerns of the public and the growth of the region. We appreciate the patience of motorists, residents and stakeholders throughout construction and are proud to reach this important milestone."

The new interchange provides motorists with two new overpass bridges, at Fairington and Miller Roads, four mainline bridges on I-20 and I-285, and two flyover bridge ramps at the interchange. This is in addition to new and replacement noise walls, auxiliary lanes, and connecting lanes throughout the corridor. These improvements have already shown increases in safety and efficiency, with more reliable travel times and less congestion in the area.

As the project approaches Final Acceptance, motorists can expect final punchlist work, including activities in the median and shoulders. Continue to drive alert through the corridor and follow all posted signage until all work is completed. Final Acceptance is anticipated in Spring 2027.