For Immediate Release
Monday, October 12, 2026
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Cobb, Fulton Counties...
Oct 16-19 FULL CLOSURE on I-285 in Smyrna, S. Atlanta Rd to SR 280/S. Cobb Dr
Expect Extreme Delays, Choose Alternate Routes
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ATLANTA -Work crews for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will close all lanes on I-285 northbound and southbound between S. Atlanta Road and SR 280/S Cobb Drive in the cities of Atlanta and Smyrna, Fulton County, this weekend from 7 p.m. on Friday, October 16 until 5 a.m. on Monday, October 19. All traffic approaching the closures will be detoured to use I-75, I-75/I-85 Connector and I-20.
The full closure is related to the I-285 Westside Rebuild concrete slab reconstruction and rehabilitation project currently ongoing from Collier Drive in Fulton County to Paces Ferry Road in Cobb County. The work includes improvements to the roadway shoulder lanes, the concrete median, signage, guardrail and ATMS/ITS systems.
Weather permitting, these are the scheduled closures beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 16 until 5 a.m. on Monday, October 19:
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I-285 northbound
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All lanes closed to traffic between S. Atlanta Road (exit 16) and S. Cobb Drive (exit 15)
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I-285 southbound
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All lanes closed to traffic between S. Cobb Drive (exit 15) and S. Atlanta Road (exit 16)
During the weekend full closure, roadside and overhead signs will direct approaching traffic to the detour route, using I-75, the I-75/I-85 Connector and I-20. (see the detour map above)
Crews will be milling/grinding the roadway concrete in preparation to repair or replace the concrete slabs through the project area. Lane closures are necessary to provide sufficient space for crews to work safely and to protect motorists while large equipment is in operation. Motorists are urged to pay attention to shifting and changing travel infrastructure along the corridor. Roadside message boards and signage will alert drivers in advance of lane shifts and closures.
Motorists who use this segment of I-285 should make plans now to allow significant additional travel time during these closures, or to plan alternate routes in advance. GDOT strongly urges motorists to rely on the 511GA app as the primary source for real-time traffic conditions and lane closure details. Motorists may also use their preferred navigation or wayfinding apps; however, 511GA provides the most up-to-date, Georgia-specific information to help drivers navigate around the closures as efficiently as possible.
This $155.2 million project is one of two projects along the I-285 westside corridor designed to repair and/or replace concrete slabs. It is scheduled for completion in 2029. Additional information and project history can be found on the I-285 reconstruction project website.
ADVISORY: Drivers should exercise caution in and around work zones, wear seatbelts, follow signage guidance, reduce speed, move over one lane, when possible, to ensure the safety of crews, and avoid distractions behind the wheel. During construction, lane closures are needed to ensure there is ample room for crews to safely work and for motorists' safety during the concrete slab rehabilitation activities, as large equipment will be on-site.
Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs and maintains Georgia's state and federal highways. We're involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability and mobility. The Department's vision is to boost Georgia's competitiveness through leadership in transportation.
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