Metro Atlanta drivers, prepare for an obstacle course this summer.
At least 18 major road projects in metro Atlanta will throw orange barrels, dug-up asphalt and sudden merges into the way of cars this summer, according to the state. In a level of road work not seen here in several summers, nearly every portion of the metro Interstate system will see lane closures, according to the state Department of Transportation.
On Friday, the DOT awarded road companies a raft of projects, including repaving I-285’s top end from near Ga. 400 to Spaghetti Junction. Those and other projects that are already in the works touch some of Georgia's most heavily traveled roads -- including I-75 north and south of Atlanta; I-85; the Downtown Connector; I-20; and arterials in Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett and other counties.
The roads selected for work this summer are already high-profile -- that section of I-285 carries about 275,000 vehicles or more a day, according to the DOT. But it gets worse: The paving season coincides with the driving season, according to the DOT, when drivers generally get out more and run more trips (except, when vacation comes and they get out altogether). The result is a congestion conjunction.
"It's even going to be more taxing and exhausting than it is today," said Scott McDowell, who owns a technology company. "But it's well-needed, because those are some of the worst roads, with potholes the size of basketballs."
For Atlanta's rutted roads, it's a boon. "A few years ago we had some real big summers; then the last couple, with the economy like it’s been and the budget like it’s been, we haven’t been able to" do so much, DOT spokesman Mark McKinnon said. "But now it’s looking pretty good. For the road work, it’s looking good -- for the motorists, they’ll just need to be patient and know that we’re doing it for their benefit."
Statewide, the DOT expects to spend about $850 million on construction this fiscal year. Last year it spent about $1 billion, but the majority of that came from the federal stimulus. In the fiscal year before that, ending June 2010, the DOT spent $533 million.
Funding had been down since 2008, as the DOT endured budget pressures brought on by accounting troubles and a poor economy. Things are starting to improve
Most of the projects are expected to wrap up by late summer or this fall. But some projects, such as sorting lanes on I-20, may go into another year or two.
The DOT plans to have no construction on Memorial Day weekend, Independence Day weekend or Labor Day weekend. Also, the DOT tries to limit metro Atlanta work on interstate highways during the workweek to nights and weekends.
"Our key message is, we want people to plan ahead before they get out," McKinnon said. "Go to Navigator [GeorgiaNavigator.com]. Call 511. Plan their trip, see where the construction is going to be, and if they can find an alternate route, it may save them a lot of time."
Five biggest problem spots
Among the dozens of projects the state DOT will undertake this summer, these may cause more misery to more drivers than others. At least until they're finished, when the ride should be smoother or safer.
- The northeast top of I-285 is getting repaved. From Ashford Dunwoody Road, near Ga. 400, to Chamblee Tucker Road, near Spaghetti Junction, the Perimeter ferries about 275,000 drivers a day to destinations including Perimeter Mall and acts as a junction for travelers to and from the northern suburbs. Completion date: Jan. 1. $10.9 million.
- I-75 from I-285 in Clayton County to University Avenue in Fulton County -- that's right, the southern section of the Downtown Connector -- is also getting a new coat of asphalt. Completion date: Nov. 30. $22.8 million.
- Eastern I-20 is getting some big improvements, but drivers there will have to get through big traffic headaches first. The state expects to begin construction of new sorting lanes from eastern I-285 to Panola Road. In addition, it must wrap up last year's paving project in that area. Completion date: paving, this summer; sorting lanes, July 31, 2013. $30.9 million
- Contractors have been working all year on I-85 in Gwinnett County, where they are installing a tolling system from just south of the Perimeter to Old Peachtree Road. Some of the biggest traffic jams will come this summer, when contractors install large sign structures, requiring double or triple lane closures. Opening set for August. $11.7 million.
- Widening Roswell Road's bridge over I-285, bottlenecking a major artery into and out of the urban center. This project is not yet bid, but the DOT expects to soon. Likely completion date: Nov. 1, 2012. Estimated price: $3.6 million.
Summer traffic
Road work arrives just in time for an uptick in traffic. Traffic flows with the seasons: People get out more when the weather's fine and get out entirely when beach time arrives. Below is the total daily traffic at five metro locations on I-75 and I-85 last year, as tracked by the state. Total figures were not available for June or July.
January: 614,062
April: 615,224
May: 649,536
August: 659,925
September: 583,260
Source: Georgia Department of Transportation
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