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Downtown Connector Resurfacing Project
Downtown Connector Resurfacing Project

Project Update

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DOWNTOWN CONNECTOR RESURFACING PROJECT - NORTHBOUND LANE CLOSURES
WHAT: Resurfacing the Downtown Connector (4.79 miles) between University Avenue and 10th Street.
WHEN: 9 p.m., Friday, June 20, continuously through the weekend until 5 a.m., Monday, June 23.
WHERE: Northbound:

  Starting south of I-20 on I-75/I-85 northbound three outside (right) lanes will be closed to 10th Street.

The following Northbound ramps will be closed to ALL traffic:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on-ramp
- Edgewood Avenue off-ramp
- Freedom Parkway/Fort Street on-ramp
- Fort Street/ J.W. Dobbs Avenue on-ramp
- Pine/Peachtree streets off-ramp
- Spring Street off-ramp
- Spring Street on-ramp
- 10th Street off-ramp


Motorists traveling northbound on the Downtown Connector will be able to access the I-20 on and off-ramps. However, one of two lanes on the I-20 on-ramp will be closed to traffic and one of two lanes on the I-20 off-ramp will be closed to traffic. We anticipate significant delays on I-20 - particularly for westbound motorists merging onto I-75/I-85 north.
  • The HOV lane and three additional inside lanes will remain open to traffic throughout the weekend.
  • Fulton Street on-ramp open
  • Freedom Parkway off-ramp open (detour to downtown venues)
These closures are necessary for crews to mill and repave the three outside lanes starting just south of I-20 to 10th Street. During the weekend crews expect to lay more than 11,000 tons of asphalt brought by more than 125 dump trucks. There will be more than 200 workers within the work zone.

These closures are expected to cause significant delays. Georgia DOT advises motorists to utilize I-285 to avoid backups.

Subject to change for weather conditions.

Overview
This project will resurface a portion of the I-75/I-85 Downtown Connector corridor. The resurfacing project is between University Avenue and approximately 10th Street. It includes both the northbound and southbound lanes of the Connector. The total length to be resurfaced is 4.79 miles. (A concurrent project to erect a new 14th Street Bridge also will include resurfacing the Connector between the northern terminus of this project and the Brookwood Interchange.) The roadway was last resurfaced in 1995, prior to the 1996 Summer Olympics. Asphaltic concrete has a 10-12 year life span.

Project Specifics
  • Resurfacing all 11-foot travel lanes – at least six to eight lanes in each direction.
  • Deep milling of lanes in each direction between Courtland and 10th streets.
  • The $27.7 million contract was awarded to E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc. of Snellville, GA in November 2007.
Timeline
The resurfacing will begin April 7, 2008 and be completed November 2008.

Impact on Travel
We are working to limit the impact on fans attending Braves games.
  • During construction, lane closures will mostly be limited to weekends, starting at 9 p.m. on Fridays and continuing until 5 a.m. on Mondays. Most of the work will be completed during these weekend closures.
  • Monday through Thursday closures will be limited to shoulders or single lanes and will occur during overnight hours. All travel lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. The contractor will be fined if lanes do not reopen per schedule.
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph in the work zone area while work is in progress. Fines are doubled in a work zone.
Travel Information
Traffic delays will occur. Please choose alternate modes of transportation, car- or van-pool, or choose alternate routes and allow additional travel time during this construction project. There will be no construction during major holidays Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this or any other construction project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to bad weather. Callers can also reach live operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org. Georgia 511 – we'll get you there.

Safety
Incident clearance is a top priority. In order to keep traffic flowing smoothly, vehicles must be moved off the roadway after an incident. A towing company will be on-call to respond within 45 minutes to any accident in which a vehicle cannot be moved under its own power.

The Georgia DOT is dedicated to providing safe conditions for both motorists and workers on our roadways. As with any construction project, motorists should slowdown, be alert and pay special attention to all work zone signs, pavement markings and traffic control devices. Motorists are also urged to avoid unnecessary lane changes; allow extra distance between themselves and the vehicle ahead; and to exercise extreme caution while driving through these work zones.

Georgia DOT website: www.dot.ga.gov