Motorists traveling to the Atlanta area this weekend should prepare for significant traffic delays as the Georgia Department of Transportation plans to close a section of Interstate 285 in both directions beginning tonight.

According to GDOT, all northbound and southbound lanes of I-285 between South Atlanta Road at Exit 16 and South Cobb Drive at Exit 15 will close beginning at 7 PM tonight, Friday, October 16.

The closure is expected to remain in effect until 5 AM Monday, October 19, weather permitting.

The affected section of interstate is located along the western side of Atlanta’s Perimeter Highway in the Smyrna area.

During the closure, traffic will be redirected onto designated detour routes using Interstate 75, the Interstate 75/85 Connector and Interstate 20. Roadside signs and electronic message boards will help direct motorists around the construction zone.

The closure is part of GDOT’s ongoing I-285 Westside Rebuild Project, which involves repairing and replacing deteriorating concrete roadway sections between Collier Drive in Fulton County and Paces Ferry Road in Cobb County.

The project also includes improvements to roadway shoulders, concrete medians, guardrails, signs and traffic management systems.

The construction project is scheduled for completion in 2029.

A similar closure originally scheduled for last weekend was canceled because of heavy rain associated with Hurricane Isaias.

GDOT is encouraging drivers to plan ahead, allow additional travel time and consider alternate routes, particularly during busy weekend travel periods.

Motorists from Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia traveling through the Atlanta area should be aware that the closure could affect their routes, especially those using I-285 on the western side of the city.

Drivers can check current traffic conditions and construction updates through Georgia 511 at 511ga.org or by dialing 511.

Sources

Georgia Department of Transportation; Georgia 511 traffic alerts, October 14, 2026.