Local

Weekend roadwork finished early

ATLANTA — It looks like construction crews finished road work earlier than expected this weekend.

Channel 2 Action News crews spotted some backups across metro Atlanta, but no crews were found on the roads by Sunday afternoon, despite Georgia DOT's warnings of lengthy projects.

Channel 2's Amanda Cook was at the bridge on Ellis Street overlooking the connector, which had been a trouble spot for drivers earlier this weekend. Three left lanes are closed on the northbound connector, so all traffic has to merge.

Cook said the change didn't cause too many problems Sunday morning. But Channel 2 Action News shot video of slow-moving traffic on the connector late Saturday night.

GDOT said the lane closure is for some work on the overhead signs, bridge joints and concrete median walls. Georgia DOT put out the warning after postponing work last weekend because of a big Braves game and wet weather.

Cook spoke to a few drivers who were pretty annoyed with the construction. But for the most part, drivers had heard the warnings and were prepared for it.

One contractor who has to drive for work said he avoided construction.

"I went down Howell Mill Road, across some other street, back to Peachtree, staying off the connector," Tom Mercer told Channel 2's Steve Gehlbach.

Besides the connector, there were two other trouble spots to watch out for. One area was at the interchange of Interstate 75 and Interstate 285 in Cobb County.

The southbound I-75 from the Cobb-Marietta ramp to I-285 eastbound going toward the Sandy Springs-Dunwoody ramp was also closed this weekend.

The other hot spot this weekend was at the top end at Interstate 285 and Georgia 400.

The exit ramp from Interstate 285 east, trying to get onto Georgia 400 northbound or southbound, was also closed. But drivers on the roads Saturday afternoon said they hadn't seen major backups.

"Not blocked or anything, just flowing through nice and easy. No problem at all," said Johnny McClendon.

"It wasn't bad at all, smooth sailing. On up the road, it may be a little difficult, but pretty smooth sailing," said Frank Callaway.


Click here for a more extensive list of this weekend's construction work, and follow updates and alternate routes from Channel 2 Action News and Triple Team Traffic to keep up with conditions during Monday's commute.