The Georgia Department of Transportation held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the I-285 at Camp Creek Parkway Diverging Diamond Interchange project, the seventh in Georgia, at the Aerotropolis Atlanta CIDs headquarters in Atlanta. Georgia DOT State Transportation Board Member Dana Lemon, Congressional District 13, and State Transportation Board Member Stacey Key, Congressional District 5, were among those in attendance along with local officials. 

“This is such an exciting day with the groundbreaking of the diverging diamond interchange at Camp Creek Parkway and Interstate 285,” said Dana Lemon. "The partnership between Georgia DOT, Aerotropolis CIDs and the City of East Point led to the creation of an interchange that truly represents this community. This project will improve the operations of this interchange and enhance it with great lighting, beautiful landscaping, sidewalks to keep pedestrians safe and of course great signage. It will be a gateway into our city and make it easier for folks to get to shopping and to the world's busiest airport." 

“The construction of this DDI will provide for a more safe and connected community – delivering greater opportunities for employment and serving as a catalyst for economic development,” said Stacey Key. “This project is a stepping stone to promoting growth and it is certainly exciting that this will be the first interchange of its kind in south metro Atlanta.” 

The $12.3 million diverging diamond interchange project will utilize the existing bridge structure and widen it seven feet to provide a total width of just over 100 feet. The bridge will be raised to meet vertical clearance requirements. Once complete, the DDI will consist of six 13-foot lanes; an 11-foot barrier separated pedestrian walkway down the middle of the bridge; and two-foot shoulders on the inside and outside of the bridge. Additionally, Georgia DOT worked with the City of East Point and with Airport West CID – a part of Aerotropolis Atlanta CIDs – to add lighting and landscaping to the interchange. 

“The Aerotropolis CIDs have been collaborating with GDOT, East Point, College Park, and Fulton County and other stakeholders for the past 3 years preparing for this project. This $12.3 million project will bring a much needed enhancement to our area for traffic mitigation and beautification and allow our communities to prosper” said Natalie Tyler Martin, Airport West CID Board Chair.

The project is anticipated to be complete in late 2019.