Closure of I-285 section in Atlanta postponed due to weather, GDOT says

UPDATE: This story has been updated after the Georgia Department of Transportation postponed the lane closures on I-285 due to weather, as of 7 p.m. on Friday. Officials originally planned to close all northbound and southbound lanes of I-285 on the west side of Atlanta between exits 5 and 9.

The story continues below.

For many Georgians, the roads around Atlanta are not only essential for getting around the state's capital city, but also the bane of their existence.

And it's about to get more complicated.

A large section of I-285, the major freeway that encircles Atlanta, was going to be completely closed to all traffic from 7 p.m. Friday, May 8 through 5 a.m. Monday, May 11, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation, but the project was postponed late Friday due to weather.

Other ramp closures projects were cancelled due to weekend weather.

"If you are planning to travel to and/or through Metro Atlanta this weekend, May 8-11, expect extreme delays and consider using alternate routes," GDOT previously said. "This is a full interstate closure of one of metro Atlanta's most heavily traveled corridors."

The project will likely be rescheduled for another time as the city tries to fit in roadwork before the rush of visitors for the FIFA 2026 World Cup in June.

Here's how to plan ahead for when the shutdown finally arrives.

Where do the I-285 road closures start?

All lanes, both northbound and southbound, of I-285 will be closed on the west side of the city between Exit 7 at Cascade Road and Exit 9 at MLK Jr. Drive.

"This closure supports the ongoing I-285 Westside reconstruction project, which spans 10 miles from SR 14/South Fulton Parkway in College Park to Collier Road," according to GDOT. "Contractor work crews will mill and grind existing concrete pavement, preparing for slab repaid and replacement. The full closure is required to safely accommodate heavy equipment operations, provide adequate workspace for crews, and protect motorists."

What is the recommended alternate route?

If you are traveling north on I-285, transportation officials recommend exiting the highway at exit 5 on Langford Parkway. You should travel eastbound on Langford Parkway until you meet I-75\I-85, where you will get onto I-75 northbound. You will then follow I-75 until you reach the I-20 interchange where you will take I-20 westbound until it reaches I-285, and you will reenter the highway at Exit 9 to continue north.

If you are traveling south on I-285, you will do the same trip but in reverse. Drivers will take Exit 9 and follow I-20 eastbound to I-75, where they will travel south until Langford Parkway, where they will drive westbound to meet back up with I-285 at Exit 5.

Tips from Georgia Department of Transportation

While transportation officials have outlined an intended detour, everyone who would normally be on I-285 will need to use the alternative route, meaning there will be significant traffic issues in and around Atlanta for the entirety of the weekend.

Traffic will impact the entire region, not just the detour route, officials said.

Here are some tips from GDOT:

• Allow a significant amount of extra time to get to your destination if you're planning to drive anywhere in west and southwest Atlanta
• There will be heavy congestion on Atlanta's major highways, so try to avoid them as much as possible, opting instead for smaller side roads
• Check the traffic conditions along your route using the 511GA app or other navigation applications or wayfinding apps to see where traffic is the heaviest
• Don't need to be out driving in that part of the city? Great, just stay away. Major local and interstate travel will both be impacted by the lane closures.

Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at [email protected].