G-DOT to Shift Lanes on I-85 in Commerce This Week

The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) and its construction partners announce upcoming traffic shifts along Interstate 85 (I-85) northbound and southbound at Ridgeway Church Road on Friday, November 17.

The shifts mark a milestone in the I-85 Widening, Phase III project with new bridges in place, allowing crews to proceed with the demolition and replacement of the old structures.

Overnight on Friday, November 17, weather permitting, the existing two lanes of traffic in each direction will shift between Exit 147/State Route 98 and Exit 149/US 441 to facilitate the next phase of I-85 mainline bridge construction over Ridgeway Church Road

Construction will be performed during the overnight hours.

Motorists can expect a similar shift onto the new bridges over the North Oconee River.

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.

This project will create additional capacity for more reliable travel times and more efficient movement of freight.

Motorists should be advised that this work zone is 13 miles long with a reduced speed limit to keep contractors and motorists safe.

Additionally, the I-85 Widening, Phase III project sets the stage for the department’s long-range plan to widen I-85 to the South Carolina state line.