The Georgia Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that traffic shifts are planned for North and Southbound lanes along Interstate 85 over the North Oconee River.
GDOT said overnight Friday, Feb 16 the existing two lanes of traffic on I-85 northbound will shift left to the new bridge between Mile Marker 144 and 145.
Saturday, Feb. 17, crews will implement the same shift for southbound, MM 145 to 144, moving the two lanes of traffic to the new travel lanes on the left.
Drivers may experience delays on both nights as crews implement traffic pacing.
GDOT said the shifts facilitate the next phase of I-85 mainline bridge construction over the North Oconee River. Following the shifts crews will demolish and replace the old structures.
“The I-85 Widening, Phase III project will improve mobility by widening the interstate from two to three lanes from US 129 to US 441 in Jackson and Banks counties, a heavily traveled corridor,” GDOT officials said.
The project is designed to create additional capacity for more reliable travel times and more efficient freight movement.
The work zone is 13 miles long with a reduced speed limit to maintain safety for contractors and motorists.
The I-85 widening, Phase III project sets up GDOT’s long-range plan to widen I-85 to the South Carolina state line.
