LISTEN: An unusual full Interstate closure west of Atlanta is expected to create traffic bottlenecks far beyond the immediate area. GPB's Orlando Montoya explains.
For spring weekends in Atlanta, May 8 through May 11 is shaping up to be pretty typical: college commencements, sporting events and Mother's Day travel.
But an unusual construction project on one of the region's most-traveled corridors could frustrate those plans and create traffic bottlenecks far beyond the immediate area.
The Georgia Department of Transportation plans to close a 2-mile stretch of I-285 on the west side of the city, from Cascade Road to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
It's a full closure in both directions from 7 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Monday.
Traffic will be diverted downtown via I-20, I-75/85 and Langford Parkway.
"It has the potential to be a real traffic nightmare not only for the west side perimeter commuters, but for any drivers trying to get into and through the city," said Mark McKay, traffic reporter for Atlanta talk radio WSB 95.5 FM, where traffic coverage is 24/7.
He said the disruption could be mitigated by foul weather, which could stall the project.
The shutdown is part of a $206 million effort to repair and replace concrete slabs along the I-285 west side corridor.
GDOT says a full closure is required for motorist and worker safety since construction crews will be milling and grinding existing concrete pavement and preparing for slab repair and replacement.
It comes on a weekend when Emory University and Georgia Tech will host their commencement ceremonies, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host an Atlanta United match and other travelers will be on the road for Mother's Day visits.
