I-285 Interchange to Open June 4

The reconfigured interchange at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 that's designed to reduce traffic jams is expected to be operational June 4, according to officials with the Perimeter Center Community Improvement Districts.

The "diverging diamond" alignment, the first in Georgia, will put cars which would travel in the right-hand lanes into the left lanes of traffic while in the interchange, allowing them to make left turns unimpeded onto I-285.

You can view a simulation of the I-285 interchange.

The loop ramp used to access I-285 east from the interchange will be removed. The eastbound ramp is a major contributor to the congestion in the interchange, according to transportation officials.

The new alignment is designed to reduce traffic during peak hours up to 20 percent and increase safety. Once the new alignment is opened, construction at the interchange will continue for close to three months to create pedestrian features, according to Georgia Department of Transportation engineers.

What do you think of the redesigned interchange? Let us know underneath the story in comments.

“Motorists need to understand that construction will be continuing out there for the next three months,” said GDOT District Seven Engineer Bryant Poole.

The interchange will be closed to from 9 p.m. June 1 to 5 a.m. June 4 to remove asphalt, to build a pedestrian walkway and to install traffic signals.

Only the interchange ramps will be open during the June bridge closure. Interstate traffic will be detoured through the I-285 Perimeter Center Parkway bridge, according to PCIDs officials.

The interchange will be closed to pedestrians through June.

David Purcell, CEO of the PCIDs, said that signage, lane striping and curbs will direct traffic through the newly aligned interchange when it opens in June. 

“Police officers also will be on duty at the interchange throughout the weekend and after the bridge reopens to assist motorists with the new configuration,” he said.