GDOT: Plan Ahead To Survive Summer Road Projects

CARTERSVILLE, GA -- Summertime is right around the corner in Georgia, and that means lazy days, cookouts and planning various travel destinations.

Before you hit the road to set out on your next adventure, the Georgia Department of Transportation wants you to prepare for longer than normal traffic delays.

The agency on Friday announced plans for one of its "busiest summer construction seasons Georgia has seen in years."

Georgia DOT notes there will be more than 470 active construction and maintenance projects along interstates and state routes.

“This summer’s construction and maintenance activities will ultimately save taxpayers millions of dollars," said Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry, P.E. “Performing maintenance now prevents major repairs later. It also results in less wear and tear on vehicles. We ask you to plan ahead and know before you go. By knowing what work we are doing and where we are doing it, you can minimize your travel time and your frustration.”

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In metro Atlanta, construction of the Georgia Express Lanes network will continue with Northwest Corridor Express Lanes project, which adds reversible lanes on portions of Interstates 75 and 575 in Cobb and Cherokee counties; the addition of reversible, barrier-separated I-75 South Metro Express Lanes and ITS infrastructure in Henry and Clayton counties; and 10 miles of construction to begin late this summer for the I-85 Express Lanes Extension.

Other projects to expect around metro Atlanta area include:

• Major resurfacing and maintenance of a six-mile stretch of I-75 from S.R. 54 in Clayton County through the Downtown Connector to the Brookwood Interchange, which is expected to be awarded in June;
• In Fulton, Cobb and Douglas counties, resurfacing on I-20 from Hill Street to Thornton Road and operational improvements at the I-20 eastbound/I-285 interchange;
• Reconstruction of the Atlanta Road bridge and Orchard Road bridge over I-285 in Cobb County;
• Roundabout construction at I-285 at Riverside Drive in Sandy Springs; and
• Ramp meter installation at interchanges on I-20 on the west side of Atlanta from S.R. 5 to S.R. 139/MLK Jr. Drive in Fulton, Cobb and Douglas counties.

Other maintenance projects include widening and reconstruction on GA-400 from McFarland Parkway to S.R. 369/Browns Bridge Road; resurfacing I-75 in Catoosa County from U.S. 41 to the Tennessee State Line; and concrete rehabilitation on I-20 from S.R. 1/U.S. 27 to S.R. 61 in Carroll County.

Georgia DOT has shared the following tips on how to survive summertime construction:

• Plan ahead. Before you get into your car, call 511 or visit 511ga.org for real-time information about statewide road conditions. There’s also a link to 511 on Georgia DOT’s homepage at dot.ga.gov.
• Seek alternative commute options such as carpooling, GRTA, MARTA or county transit.
• If your employer agrees, consider telework, compressed work week or flextime. Visit Georgia Commute Options for details.
• Drive Alert and Arrive Alive: always buckle up and avoid distractions such as texting while driving.
• Obey the rules in work zones: slow down and watch for workers; keep in mind that work zones are not always stationary -- mobile work zones include litter pickup, mowing and sweeping.

“As we move through this summer construction season, we ask that you please ‘pardon our progress,’” McMurry said. “Your dollars are working to build a better Georgia; our workers are working to build a better Georgia, too. Please watch out for them in your travels.”

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