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Plan for I-85 detours now

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

Break out your maps. Sharpen up your shortcuts.

You’ll need them real soon, as the massive reconstruction of Interstate 85 will dramatically affect traffic flow at its interchange with Ga. Highway 74 on upcoming weekends, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation.

The interchange is one of the major north-south junctions for Fayette County drivers, particularly those in Peachtree City and Tyrone, as well as for many drivers who live in east Coweta County. Southside commuters to and from Atlanta will face major headaches.

The southbound ramp from Interstate 85 that leads to Ga. Highway 74 will be closed June 10-12 and June 17-19, weather permitting. Traffic could also back up considerably near the exit, as only one lane will be open for southbound traffic on I-85 just before the Hwy. 74 overpass since the interstate cuts down to three lanes just beyond it.

Soon after, crews will move to the northbound lanes, resulting in the closure of the entrance ramp leading from Hwy. 74 to I-85 for several weekends, officials said. The two right lanes of the Interstate will be closed during those weekends also.

The closures will begin Friday evenings at 9 p.m. and close on Mondays at 5 a.m. to avoid affecting commuter traffic. Work will be suspended for the July 4th holiday weekend, officials said.

The DOT wants motorists to use alternate routes so they don’t get stuck in the “inevitable delays” due to the project said Metro Area Construction Engineer Mickey McGee.

“This reconstruction project is very critical as there are some concrete slabs in that corridor that are badly in need of repair,” McGee said.

One possible shortcut for southbound vehicles on I-85 is to exit at Hwy. 138, go left and then turn right onto Oakley Industrial Boulevard, which goes all the way back to Hwy. 74 just south of the I-85 interchange. Motorists can also go right onto Hwy. 138, left onto U.S. 29 into downtown Fairburn, then left onto Ga. Highway 92 and then right onto Oakley Industrial Boulevard to get to Hwy. 74.

Construction updates and information will be available at www.georgia-navigator.com. Construction information is also available 24 hours a day by calling 1-888-419-4368.