The Georgia Department of Transportation will curtail construction-related lane closures from Thursday, July 31, through Sunday, August 3, to ease public access to major retail venues during the state’s sales tax holiday weekend. 

Each day from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., beginning Thursday and continuing through Sunday, there will be no construction-related lane closures on interstate and state highways within a five-mile radius of a shopping mall or major retail shopping district, with the following exception:

·         Lane closures will be permitted on Interstate 75/85 (the Downtown Connector) throughout the weekend to accommodate the Connector resurfacing and 14^th Street Bridge Improvement projects. 

Lane closures will be permitted outside the five-mile radiuses throughout the weekend; within those radiuses, necessary closures also will be permitted overnights from 10 p.m. until 8 a.m.  (All lane closures are weather-permitting.) 

The Department is pleased to assist “back-to-school” and other shoppers in taking advantage of the sales tax holidays, but reminds motorists that reduced speed limits will remain in force in construction zones and that heavy equipment may be staged in proximity to travel lanes; drivers should proceed through these areas cautiously.  

After careful consideration, Georgia DOT determined it best to allow Connector lane closures during this time to expedite completion of the now nearly finished resurfacing project.  Southbound motorists wishing to access Atlantic Station or other Midtown shopping venues should utilize Northside Drive and 17^th Street if traveling on I-75 and the Buford-Spring Connector to 17^th St. if on I-85.  Northbound, the detour route exit is 10^th St.   

Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about construction projects 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 inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org. 

The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment.  For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit our Web site (www.dot.ga.gov).