For Immediate Release
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
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I-85 Widening, Phase III Project Opens Additional Southbound Segment
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Ongoing bridge construction for the widening of I-85 northbound and southbound over Ridgeway Church Road in Jackson County.
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JACKSON COUNTY, GA - Overnight, Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) contractors opened an additional new third lane section on Interstate 85 southbound from the North Oconee River bridge at mile marker (MM) 145.5 to Exit 149 (US 441).
The 13-mile I-85 Widening, Phase 3 project is upgrading I-85 northbound and southbound from two to three lanes from US 129 to US 441, as well as replacing and widening four mainline bridges in two locations. This shift follows other late summer new lane section traffic openings.
Last night's shift leaves a one mile, MM 144.5 to 145.5, southbound North Oconee River bridge construction segment at two lanes awaiting final bridge completion by late October. The project will reach final open-to-traffic status at that time.
This $142 million construction investment builds upon the widening completed as part of the previous I-85 Widening, Phase 1 and Phase 2 projects. These projects are part of the long-range plan to widen I-85 to the South Carolina state line increasing capacity and improving traffic flow through the corridor.
Georgia DOT encourages motorists to drive safely through the work zone as crews continue efforts to finalize the project this fall. Follow posted signage, speed limits and watch for workers.
ADVISORY: The exact time may change due to weather conditions. Before heading out, get real-time information on work status and traffic conditions. Call 511, visit 511ga.org, or download the Georgia 511 app.
The information in this media release was accurate at the time of publication. Additional project information is available at I-85 Widening, Phase III Design-Build Project.
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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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