Atlanta Faces Massive Traffic Headaches as Major I-285 Weekend Shutdown Begins May 15

#wqeb973newz | Atlanta,GA-🚧⚠️ ATLANTA DRIVERS BRACE FOR MAJOR I-285 SHUTDOWN THIS WEEKEND ⚠️🚧

Metro Atlanta could see massive traffic backups this weekend as GDOT prepares to fully shut down a heavily traveled stretch of I-285 for construction work.

🚗 ALL northbound and southbound lanes of I-285 between MLK Jr. Drive and Cascade Road will close starting:
🕖 Friday, May 15 at 7 PM
⏰ Reopening Monday, May 18 at 5 AM

The closure was originally planned for last weekend but was postponed because of weather concerns.

Officials warn drivers to expect major delays across the metro area, especially on:
🚨 I-20
🚨 Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85)
🚨 Langford Parkway
🚨 Local roads across southwest Atlanta

GDOT says the full shutdown is needed so crews can safely repair and replace aging concrete pavement dating back to the highway’s original construction in 1969.

👀 Officials say Atlanta hasn’t seen a multi-day interstate shutdown this significant since the I-85 bridge collapse and fire in 2017.

🛑 Drivers are urged to:
✔️ Plan alternate routes
✔️ Leave earlier than usual
✔️ Avoid the area if possible
✔️ Check traffic conditions before traveling

The construction is part of a larger years-long I-285 Westside reconstruction project expected to continue through 2028.

#Atlanta #I285 #GDOT #TrafficAlert #AtlantaTraffic #MetroAtlanta #BreakingNews #RoadClosure #GeorgiaTraffic #ATL

📝:@jayden.wqeb973

📸:@jayden.wqeb973

11Alive