Motorists traveling through the Atlanta area this weekend are being advised to expect major traffic delays as the Georgia Department of Transportation closes a section of Interstate 285 for roadway reconstruction.

The closure began Friday evening, November 13, at 7 PM and is scheduled to continue until 5 AM Monday, November 16, weather permitting.

The work affects the western side of I-285 near South Atlanta Road, South Cobb Drive and Paces Ferry Road, in the Smyrna and Atlanta area.

According to GDOT’s November 9 announcement, all northbound lanes are scheduled to close between South Atlanta Road, Exit 16, and South Cobb Drive, Exit 15. The original announcement also described a southbound closure between South Cobb Drive and South Atlanta Road.

However, a newer advisory posted on Georgia’s 511 traffic information system on November 12 identifies the southbound closure as extending from Paces Ferry Road, Exit 18, to South Cobb Drive, Exit 15. Drivers should follow current roadside detour signs and check 511GA.org for the latest closure limits.

The closures are part of GDOT’s I-285 Westside Rebuild project, which involves concrete roadway reconstruction and rehabilitation. Crews are preparing damaged concrete pavement for repair or replacement.

The larger project also includes improvements to shoulders, the concrete median, guardrails, signs and traffic management systems.

GDOT says traffic will be detoured using Interstate 75, the I-75/I-85 Connector and Interstate 20.

Drivers traveling toward Atlanta from Northwest Georgia are encouraged to allow additional travel time and consider alternate routes.

The interstate is scheduled to reopen before Monday morning’s commute, depending on weather and construction conditions.

Motorists can check current traffic conditions and detours at 511GA.org or by calling 511.