GDOT To Resurface Closed Section of I-85 in Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA -- With its ambitious plan to reopen the Interstate 85 bridge over Piedmont Road by June 15, the Georgia Department of Transportation will begin resurfacing a segment of the highway. The agency will resurface 6.6 miles of I-85 from the I-75 to Clairmont Road, including its collector-distributor lanes.

Launching the resurfacing project will cut down on additional disruptions for motorists who are "already challenged" by the closure during the reconstruction of the bridge, GDOT said.

“Georgia DOT recognizes the inconveniences faced by motorists due to the closing of the I-85 at (the) Piedmont Road area," Commissioner Russell R. McMurry said. “We have carefully thought this through, and determined that getting a jump on this essential resurfacing is an opportunity to limit the public’s stress and inconvenience, while also using our time and resources sensibly.”

The $22.9 million resurfacing project has been on hold while Georgia DOT determined a suitable strategy to efficiently get the project done while minimizing public inconvenience. The low-bid joint contract was awarded to C.W. Matthews Contracting Co., Inc. and E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc. Each will focus their efforts on a single direction, reducing the time frames that work will affect motorists. The anticipated completion date is Feb. 28, 2018.

Outside the existing closed roadway, there will be no daytime lane closures on weekdays due to the resurfacing. Night work is expected to start Thursday, April 20 on the northbound side and Sunday, April 23 for the southbound segment.

Further information will be made available in advance of work activities, Georgia DOT states.

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