Georgia Department of Transportation

09/18/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/18/2025 17:27

What's New with the I-285/I-20 West Interchange

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September 2025

In This Newsletter:

  • Construction Updates

  • What's Next

  • Safety Tip

  • Video of the Month

  • Fun Fact

  • Workforce Development

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Building the Foundations for the Future: I-285/I-20 West Interchange Flyover Ramp

Foundation work is underway for one of the most significant components of the I-285/I-20 West Interchange Improvement Project-a new flyover ramp that will carry westbound I-20 traffic to I-285 southbound, eliminating the existing left-hand exit. This bridge is a crucial part of the new ramp alignment designed to ease congestion and improve mobility through one of Georgia's busiest interchanges.

The new flyover ramp is no small feat. Designed to support two 12-foot lanes with wide inside and outside shoulders, the bridge will stretch over half a mile (2,700 feet). The structure will consist of 20 separate spans-essentially individual sections supported by piers or columns. But before the flyover can rise, it must be firmly anchored to the ground-this is where foundation work comes in. It all begins below the surface, where unseen but essential foundation work makes the bridge stand tall for decades to come.

Aerial rendering of the improved interchange with the new I-20 westbound to I-285 southbound flyover ramp.

Why Foundations Matter

The foundation is one of the most critical parts of a bridge. It acts as the hidden backbone of the structure and does the heavy lifting by transferring the enormous weight of the bridge-including the vehicles that will travel on it-safely into the soil or rock below.

As construction progresses, the foundation work lays the groundwork for the rest of the flyover ramp to take shape. Once foundations are in place, crews can begin building the columns and eventually setting the massive concrete beams that will support the driving surface of the bridge, known as the bridge deck.

For this project, Georgia DOT contractors are using three main types of foundation systems: drilled shafts (also called caissons), spread footings, and driven piles.

Drilled shaftsare deep foundations that resemble huge, reinforced concrete columns built underground. To construct them, contractors drill deep, vertical holes into the earth

Spread footings, by contrast, are shallower and wider than drilled shafts.

Pile-driven bridge foundationsare deep foundations that support structures by driving deep piles to a stable layer of rock.

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New Temporary Traffic Patterns Coming to the I-285/I-20 West Interchange Project

Starting in the coming weeks, motorists can expect lane shifts, temporary ramp closures, and adjusted travel lanes on I-20 westbound and I-285 southbound and northbound. These changes will primarily affect the areas around the interchange and nearby connecting ramps, including the loop ramp from I-20 eastbound to I-285 northbound and the upcoming flyover ramp from I-20 westbound to I-285 southbound.

Advance signage will be posted to help guide drivers through the modified routes. While every effort is being made to minimize delays, motorists are advised to plan ahead using 511GA.org, use alternate routes when possible, and allow extra travel time. Drivers should also reduce speed and stay alert in work zones for the safety of workers and fellow drivers.

Georgia DOT appreciates the public's patience as work progresses toward a more efficient and modernized interchange.

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Navigating Work Zones Safely Now That School Has Resumed

With school back in session and increased traffic from school drop-offs, buses, teen drivers, and changing routines, the risks in construction zones can grow. Work zones already demand heightened attention due to shifting lanes, reduced speed limits, and the presence of workers and heavy equipment. That's why it's essential to obey posted signage and slow down in active construction areas.

Here are a few tips to help keep everyone safe:

  • Stay focused. Avoid distractions like phones or in-car systems.

  • Watch for signs. They are there to guide you safely through the work zone.

  • Leave space. Tailgating in work zones increases the risk of rear-end collisions.

  • Be patient. Slower speeds and delays may be inconvenient, but they greatly contribute to your safe arrival.

Let's all do our part to protect road crews, students, and each other by navigating work zones with extra care this back-to-school season.

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Thirty-day time-lapse video from August 1 - 30 of drilling and spread footings

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Georgia DOT maintains over 18,000miles of state routes and interstates - but did you know Georgia has the 10th largest state-maintained highway systemin the U.S.? Georgia DOT is known for its innovation - consistently delivering major mobility projects while maintaining one of the most efficient DOTs in the nation!

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Workforce Development plays a vital role in the success of the I-285/I-20 West Interchange project. The project team is committed to building a strong team by actively recruiting local community residents for exciting career opportunities associated with this project.

There are currently openings for:

  • Backhoe Operators

  • Bridge Laborers

  • Traffic Control Laborers

  • Bulldozer Operators

  • Class A CDL Drivers

  • Crane Operators

  • Front End Loader Operators

  • Highway Bridge Carpenters

  • Motor Grade Operators

  • Project Engineers

  • Project Managers

For more information, contact the Workforce Development Manager, Ricardo Linton, at [email protected]or visit the I-285/I-20 West Interchange career page.

I-285/I-20 West Interchange Project Website:
https://0013918-gdot.hub.arcgis.com/
Email: [email protected]
Hotline:770-343-0770

Georgia Department of Transportation Project Office

4200 Shirley Drive, Atlanta, GA 30336


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Georgia Department of Transportation published this content on September 18, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 18, 2025 at 23:27 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]