Cold weekend on tap for road crews

By Mike Morris

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Crews working on road construction projects around metro Atlanta will need to bundle up this weekend, as an Arctic cold front will bring some of the coldest air of the winter to Georgia.

On Saturday, temperatures will start in the mid 30s, rise to the low 40s, then drop during the afternoon and evening, Channel 2 Action News chief meteorologist Glenn Burns said. A wind advisory has been issued from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and parts of the north Georgia mountains could see flurries, he said.

Highs on Sunday will again be in the 40s, with lows Sunday night expected to fall into the low 20s.

Several road projects will have interstate lanes shut down at various times over the weekend, according to the state Department of Transportation.

Potential trouble spots in DeKalb County include I-20 eastbound from I-285 to Panola Road and the ramp from I-285 southbound to I-20 westbound.

In Fulton County, look for lanes to be closed on I-85 southbound and northbound around Metropolitan Parkway, on I-285 in both directions between Old National Highway and Washington Road, and I-285 in both directions between Ga. 400 and Riverside Drive.

Motorists traveling through Clayton County can expect lane closures in both directions on I-75 between Old Dixie Highway and Mount Zion Road.

Events this weekend include the third annual Winter Beer Carnival Saturday at Atlantic Station and the Hawks-Miami Heat game at 7 p.m. Sunday at Philips Arena.

--Dispatch editor Angel K. Brooks contributed to this report.