Interstate 85 and State Route 316 Reconstruction and HOV Lane Extension Project

Overview

Project Status:  55% complete

Completion Date:  December 31, 2008

Georgia DOT has begun a Reconstruction and HOV Lane Extension Project at the Interstate 85 and State Route 316 Interchange in Gwinnett County. The project is designed to relieve traffic congestion and improve safety. The project includes the addition of new HOV lanes, which are designed to help reduce air pollution and improve traffic congestion.

Project Scope

Crews will construct 13 bridges including a new flyover bridge from SR 316 west to Pleasant Hill Road (eliminating the need to enter I-85) and a flyover bridge from SR 316 to I-85 southbound. The current SR 316 westbound entrance ramp to I-85 southbound will become an HOV only ramp. (A new HOV lane will be added to SR 316 westbound.)

Approximately 17 miles of HOV lanes will be added along I-85 north and southbound and on SR 316 east and westbound. Approximately 11 miles of new Collector Distributor Lanes (similar to access roads that run parallel to I-85) will be built.

Based on this new system, many motorists traveling short distances along the I-85 corridor will not have to access the I-85 interstate lanes, but can use the Collector Distributor Lanes instead, further reducing congestion and improving traffic flow.

Once the reconstruction is complete, crews will also resurface I-85 between the interchanges at Steve Reynolds Boulevard and Old Peachtree Road.

Project Highlights

• A new flyover bridge will provide direct access from SR 316 westbound to Pleasant Hill Road
• Another flyover bridge from SR 316 westbound will allow motorists to access I-85 southbound from the right lanes
• Current SR 316 westbound ramp to I-85 southbound will become an HOV only ramp; a new HOV lane on SR 316 westbound will feed into a new HOV lane on I-85 southbound

Impact on Travel

When beginning a construction project, Georgia DOT design teams and engineers carefully considered the impact to motorists. Nearly 80% of the work will be done without lane closures, reducing the impact on commuters and motorists.

Lane Closures

Please visit the Georgia Navigator web site for the latest information on lane closures in this project area.

Motorist Safety

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.