With work continuing on I-85 in and around Jackson County, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) opened a third lane on I-85 southbound from the North Oconee River bridge to U.S. 441.
The I-85 project is in its third phase, with 13-miles of widening expected to upgrade I-85 north and southbound from two to three lanes from U.S. 129 to 441.
GDOT will also replace and widen four bridges in two locations.
Last night’s work leaves a one-mile stretch between mile-marker 144.5 to mile-marker 145.5 on the North Oconee Bridge construction site at two lanes awaiting final completion in October.
The project will reach “open-to-traffic” status at that time.
The $142-million investment builds on phases one and two of the widening project that are a part of a larger plan to widen the interstate to the South Carolina state line.
GDOT recommends that motorists drive safely through work zones as crews put the finishing touches on the project.
