The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT)  announces the opening of another I-285 Advanced Improvement Project (AIP), marking a milestone in the department’s Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP). Construction on the I-285/Peachtree Boulevard Interchange Improvements project began in January 2022 and just under two years later is opening to the traveling public this Friday, following a brief daytime lane closure and detour for final paving and guardrail installation.
 
On Friday, December 15, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., the I-285 westbound to SR 141/Peachtree Boulevard ramp will be closed and a detour implemented. The detour will take motorists to North Peachtree Road in order to merge onto I-285 eastbound and access Peachtree Boulevard southbound. When the roadway reopens it will be in its new configuration.
 
“We are thrilled to have this project open to traffic and allow motorists to appreciate the benefits of the improvements to this interchange,” said Georgia DOT Project Manager Rick O’Hara. “With the second of three advanced improvement projects complete and the final one in construction, we’re excited to build on the department’s commitment to improving Georgia’s roadways.”
 
The I-285 /Peachtree Boulevard Interchange Improvements project, includes the following improvements:

• Combined the I-285 westbound exit ramps to State Route (SR 141) Peachtree Boulevard north and southbound,
• Improved the horizontal curve of the Peachtree Boulevard northbound exit ramp—reducing the bottleneck from I-285,
• Constructed a single-lane bridge over Peachtree Boulevard, which connects to the existing southbound ramp from I-285, and
• Reconstructed the ramp to Peachtree Boulevard northbound, adding another exit lane.

The project was delivered using the Design-Build method which accelerated the project schedule by overlapping the design and construction phases. This method reduces overall construction times, mitigates traffic impacts, and allows Georgia DOT to maximize the use of available resources and the project budget.
 
The I-285 AIPs will provide local road improvements earlier, mitigate traffic challenges during the construction of the major express lane projects, provide early operational improvements to general purpose lanes, and maintain healthy competition among our construction developer partners.
 
“Finding safer and more efficient options for Georgia’s traveling public is always paramount for the department,” said Georgia DOT P3 Construction Manager Andrew Hoenig. “We are excited to be able to provide additional capacity in this key corridor and a safer pathway for commercial and passenger vehicles to reach their destinations.”
 
In the coming weeks, motorists may see crews completing final pavement markings, adding rumble strips to the shoulders, and placing final signage. More information about I-285/Peachtree Boulevard Interchange Improvements can be found here.
 
The MMIP is a grouping of large-scale projects expected to yield a significant reduction in congestion along key freight and passenger corridors. The projects will create additional capacity, improve the movement of freight, provide operational improvements and efficiencies, enhance safety, and decrease travel times. More information on the MMIP can be found here at https://majormobilityga.com/.

Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs, and maintains Georgia’s state and federal highways. We’re involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike, and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability, and mobility. The department’s vision is to boost Georgia’s competitiveness through leadership in transportation.