Atlanta This Coming Saturday

63-Coupe wrote:
I will be going through Atlanta southbound this Saturday. Normally I just head straight on through but after checking the Georgia construction map I see there is a repaving project going on. Here is the closure according to the info they are posting;

Saturday, October 22 at 7 a.m. – Saturday, October 22 at 7 p.m.:
2 right lanes & outside shoulder of ramp from I-75\I-85 SB to I-20 EB\WB, ramp will remain open

Would I be better to take 285 on this trip and go around? I don't mind the extra time or miles, just trying to avoid aggravation. Any local people out there that can comment on the impact of the project?

It should be OK, although there's a Falcons game that day, so the earlier the better. On game days, traffic binds up at that area even without construction and it won't be any better with lane closures.

If you're coming down I-75, there's also a lot of construction at the I-75/I-285 interchange at the north end of town where they're building the new Braves stadium and adding new lanes. They're doing a pretty good job of routing traffic and marking the lanes; just keep your eyes open as you head through the area (unlike most of the Atlanta drivers, who as near as I can tell drive with their eyes closed, except when they're texting).

I know lots of people hate I-285, but I think it's fine. It's the designated truck bypass for through-trucks. I take it regularly when I'm avoiding the downtown rush hour, and I take every time I'm driving the motor home around Atlanta (as recently as two days ago). The secret to I-285 is to follow a sensibly driven 18-wheeler, take you time, and limit whatever natural irritability you may suffer from. :)

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