A project to connect two major metro Atlanta interstates is moving forward. 

Channel 2’s John Bachman spotted heavy machinery along Interstate 85 near the Georgia Highway 400 merge. Georgia Department of Transportation officials told him construction is already ahead of schedule.

The goal of the two-year project is to connect I-85 southbound to Hwy 400 northbound, and connect Hwy 400 southbound to I-85 northbound, so drivers can travel without having to go through side streets and traffic.

"I used to have that commute. I hated it. I hated it so much. That's what made me move to the city years ago," driver Angela Douglas told Bachman.

GDOT officials said the estimated cost for the new ramps is $21 million. The contractor got started a little early because of the good weather.

During this week’s construction, workers will need to block some lanes of traffic on the Spring-Buford connector as they move the heavy equipment. Drivers said it will be a minor inconvenience for what should be a major improvement.

"I'm looking forward to improvements, hoping it's going to be big improvement," Cameron Searle said.