ATLANTA, GA — The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) has commenced construction on the I-285/I-20 West Interchange project. Ranked as the 10th worst freight bottleneck in the nation by the American Transportation Research Institute, this project is reconstructing and widening several interstate system-to-system ramps at the I-285/I-20 West Interchange and adding a combination of connecting lanes and auxiliary lanes along I-20 west and I-285 north of the interchange. This initiative is part of the Major Mobility Investment Program, the largest investment in roadway mobility improvements in the state’s history.

“We’re excited to officially begin heavy construction on the I-285/I-20 West Interchange project,” said Donald Stull, Georgia DOT Project Manager. “We appreciate the public’s patience as we get started constructing a more modern interchange with improved safety for the traveling public top of mind. While construction can be a temporary inconvenience, the long-term impacts will greatly enhance local and regional travel.”

The design concept for the I-285/I-20 West Interchange improvement project includes several key elements aimed at enhancing traffic flow and minimizing traffic impacts during construction. Notable features of the project design include a complete reconstruction of aging infrastructure, such as bridges and pavement along I-285, to enhance long-term durability. The interchange ramps will be reconfigured to shift exits from the left to the right lane, reducing vehicle weaving and increasing safety, especially for freight traffic. Ramps will also be widened as needed to handle current and future traffic volumes, and new connecting lanes from I-285 to I-20 West will be added to provide trucks with the space to build speed before merging. Upon completion, the project improvements will reduce delays and increase average vehicle speeds through the interchange.