Interstate 75 Resurfacing Starts Monday

ATLANTA, GA -- Two major resurfacing projects designed to bring you a smoother ride on Interstates 75 and 85 will get underway in a matter of days.

Resurfacing of roughly 4.4 miles on I-75 northbound and southbound from just north of SR 54/Jonesboro Road to the I-285 interchange in Clayton County will begin on Monday, July 11, the Georgia Department of Transportation said.

Resurfacing of approximately 6 miles on I-75/I-85, better known as the Downtown Connector, northbound and southbound from just south of University Avenue to the Brookwood interchange in Atlanta will begin on Sunday, July 17, the agency added.

To limit delays and inconvenience to motorists, lane closures will be limited to nights and weekends.

“We strongly advise motorists to be prepared, plan ahead and know before you go,” said Georgia DOT Metro District Engineer Kathy Zahul. “These are major resurfacing projects – two of many that are ongoing this summer. We ask motorists to please pardon our progress – your dollars are maintaining a better Georgia.”

The Downtown Connector - last resurfaced in 2008 - handles nearly 350,000 vehicles a day, which results in deterioration to the roadway. Resurfacing I-75 and the Downtown Connector will create a smoother ride for commuters and visitors who travel to and through Georgia, and less wear to vehicles, GDOT states.

Resurfacing will begin on the interstate shoulders, the gore areas between the lanes and ramps, and the entrance and exit ramps. Resurfacing on ramps will require complete ramp closure; only emergency vehicles will be allowed to use closed ramps.

Lane closures - when required - will take place weeknights from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. and weekends from 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday, excluding major holidays.

Additional restrictive hours may occur for special events such as Music Midtown and Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves and Georgia Tech games due to the proximity of work to these known events. These times are subject to change due to weather, incident management and construction schedule needs.

The HOV lane will become a general-purpose lane when necessary, throughout active work zones.

The I-75 resurfacing costs $9.5 million and completion is expected by February 2017. The Downtown Connector project, valued at $13.8 million, is expected to be completed by April 2017. The contractor for both is Marietta-based C.W. Matthews Contracting Company, Inc.

These are high volume routes, and motorists are cautioned to reduce their speed while traveling through work zones, pay attention and watch for workers.

“Work zones serve as the workplace for GDOT workers and contractors," Zahul said. "It is vitally important that they are safe and able to return home to their families as they carry out their duties."

Before heading out, get real-time information on work status and traffic conditions. Call 511, visit 511ga.org , or download the Georgia 511 app.

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