Drivers getting ready for ‘profound delays’ as I-285 begins 8-month long closures

ATLANTA — Channel 2 Action News has been out for the past three nights watching crews do the prep work to close one of the eastbound lanes of I-285.

It’s part of the next phase of the I-285/Ga. 400 interchange project and lane closures that Triple Team Traffic has been warning you about all month.

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Early Sunday morning GDOT tweeted, “I-285 eastbound closure is complete this morning.”

Channel 2′s Veronica Griffin was out covering the project Sunday evening and noticed work was still being done. She reached out to GDOT for an explanation. She were told a permanent barrier that didn’t get finished Saturday night was placed on Sunday night.

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This is all part of the big changes as GDOT enters the next phase of the I-285/Ga. 400 project. This phase involves lane closures on 285 in each direction for at least the next eight months.

Many are worried that traffic could back up even more after the Atlanta Braves begin their playoff run on Tuesday afternoon, adding more drivers to the shrunken highway.

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One driver Channel 2 talked to says he’s prepared to brace for the manic drive.

“It’s going to be very hectic. I’d hate to see the rush hour traffic. Rush-hour traffic, lunchtime, afternoon traffic, it’s going to be brutal,” motorist Freddie Chapman said.

GDOT says at least three lanes in each direction will always stay open between Roswell Road and Ashford Dunwoody Road, noting that the lane closures are necessary to replace several old bridges.

“Check the travel guide before you come,” Chapman said.

GDOT says the road closures are necessary as they replace several old bridges.

GDOT work on I-285 set for conditional closure for next 8 months This phase involves lane closures on 285 in each direction for at least the next eight months.

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