GDOT I-285 lane closures alert

The City of Dunwoody is working with the Georgia Department of Transportation, Perimeter Connects, and the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts (PCIDs) to make everyone in our city aware of big changes coming to I-285 as part of the Transform 285/400 project. The impact on interstate and local traffic will be profound, and it will last for many months. It will require planning and patience. Please help us share updates with your neighbors, employers, and schools. This special newsletter includes plan details and information about commute options.

The first phase:

Beginning as early as THIS Saturday, October 8, the contractor for GDOT will close the two innermost eastbound lanes on I-285 between Roswell Road and Ashford Dunwoody Road for bridge demolition and reconstruction at Glenridge Drive, State Route (SR) 400, and Peachtree Dunwoody Road. 

Two weeks later - currently planned for October 22 - the two innermost westbound lanes along that stretch will be closed.

These lane closures will continue 24/7 for roughly the next four months. Then, the interior lanes will be reopened and closures will move to the two middle lanes in each direction for approximately four more months. 

*Click on the image below for a larger view.

The overall plan:

GDOT contractors are planning a major reduction in lanes on the top end of I-285. The impact on traffic will be significant.

Traffic in both directions will be reduced from five lanes to three lanes from Roswell Road to Ashford Dunwoody Road 

The closures will allow crews the space they need to replace I-285 bridges over Glenridge Drive, GA400 and Peachtree Dunwoody Road.

GDOT estimates the bridge replacements and associated I-285 eastbound and westbound lane closures will take at least eight months to complete.

*Click on the image below for a larger view.

“The traveling public should expect major disruptions to their daily commutes and driving routines during this time and should be prepared for profound delays on I-285, potentially adding an hour or more to daily commutes,” Georgia DOT Alternative Delivery Program Manager Marlo Clowers, P.E., said. “We urge motorists to leave earlier, utilize navigation apps to select alternate routes to stay away from the construction area, and consider alternative commute options. If traveling through the area, always pay attention and use extreme caution.”

Lane closure schedule confirmation will come after certain I-285 construction milestones open to traffic, ensuring motorists know what to expect and when. These anticipated openings will provide some additional capacity for vehicles and maximize all new connecting lane availability outside of the existing interstate lanes.

Key milestones include:

• I-285 westbound connecting lane from Peachtree Dunwoody Road to past Roswell Road 
• SR 400 northbound and SR 400 southbound to I-285 eastbound connecting lane to past Ashford Dunwoody Road

The lane closures are expected once these key milestones are open to traffic and updated signage is in place.

• Phase 1: Inside lanes will close on I-285 in each direction between Roswell Road to Ashford Dunwoody Road, so crews can reconstruct the interior portions of the I-285 bridges over Glenridge Drive, SR 400, and Peachtree Dunwoody Road. A minimum of three lanes will be open in each direction. This phase will take approximately four months.
• Phase 2: Traffic will shift to the inside lanes providing width for three travel lanes and the existing outside lanes will close to traffic so crews can demolish and reconstruct the exterior portions of the bridges. This phase will take approximately four months.

Dates may change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are advised to expect delays, exercise caution, and reduce their speed while traveling through work zones. Additional project information is available on the project website.  

Sign up for email updates directly from GDOT.

This GDOT video is very helpful. it provides a detailed overview of the project.

Why can’t GDOT close just one lane in one direction or close lanes just at night?

Constructing the bridges with a single-lane closure would prolong the bridge construction. It would also result in traffic (with a high percentage of trucks) very close to the work zone. Additionally, closing the lanes just at night isn’t possible due to the amount of construction activity and equipment taking place in the closed lanes.

Will there still be nighttime closures?



Yes. The construction team will continue to perform work at night, which often requires additional closures. There could be just one lane open in a single direction during the nighttime hours. 

Lane reduction resources

Perimeter Connects has great resources for managing these lane closures.

Ask for options:

Take a minute to Ask for Options using a simple web form created by Perimeter Connects, which will help you explore every possible alternate route based on where you live and work. Perimeter Connects will even cover the cost for you to try it out.

Share the ride:

Perimeter Connects can help you find a carpool buddy who works in the same area, lives nearby and has something in common with you. Try to carpool once, and you'll get $50.

Plan ahead and skip the red:

The graph below shows the highest volume times going to and from I-85 at the N. Shallowford Road underpass at I-285. Green denotes normal speeds. The darker the red, the slower the traffic.

*Click on the images below for a larger view.

The next graph shows the highest volume times going to and from I-75 passing over I-285 at Northside Drive.

GDOT has some additional ways to lessen the impact:

• Choose an alternate commute: MARTA and Xpress serve the Perimeter area and are great alternatives to driving through the area. If possible, work remotely to avoid taking trips throughout the corridor. Reach out to Georgia Commute Options for help finding alternative commute options or for help planning alternate routes.

• Use a wayfinding app: Free traffic and GPS apps can keep you informed about slowdowns in real-time and suggest alternate routes. Use GA 511 or your favorite navigation app when preparing to drive in the area.

• Plan ahead: If you must travel through the area, give yourself as much time as possible in anticipation of heavier congestion. 

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