Local

I-285 repaving causes headaches for weekend commute

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Crews are out repaving a stretch of Interstate 285, a project expected to cause major backups and delays for the weekend.

Road crews are resurfacing a stretch of I-285 near Interstate 75 to Ashford Dunwoody Road. Georgia Department of Transportation officials said several lanes and ramps will be closed all weekend long due to the construction.

They told Channel 2's Sophia Choi the resurfacing of the top end of I-285 will repave 10 miles from Paces Ferry Road in Cobb County to Ashford Dunwoody in DeKalb County. The ramp from I-75 to I-285 will be just one of the closures.

The ramp to get on Interstate 400 north and south from east I-285 will also be closed.

"Motorists should be alert and proceed with caution through the work zone and be aware that when theses ramps are closed, signed detours will be in place," said GDOT District Construction Engineer Lee Upkins. "I still think it would be wise to seek alternate routes if you don't have to be in the area.  If you do, give yourself extra time to navigate the work zones."

Officials said the pavement on the road hasn't been resurfaced in 15 years, and this time of year is the best time to perform maintenance.

"We've had great weather. And we need to take advantage of it before we can't do anything else this season. It's already starting to get a lot cooler at night," DOT spokeswoman Jill Goldberg said.

Road crews finished a portion of the construction last weekend. The project caused massive backups and the same is expected this weekend.

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