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I-85 Widening

I-85 Widening, Phase I

The I-85 Widening project was the first of the Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP) projects to start construction. It opened to traffic on June 19, 2020, 41 days ahead of schedule. This project provides relief to motorists in this heavily congested area by widening I-85 from two to three lanes in both directions from I-985 to SR 53 in Gwinnett, Barrow, and Jackson counties. The project consists of:

  • Reducing the grass median with a paved shoulder and median barrier
  • Replacing three 50+ year old overpass bridges (Spout Springs Road bridge, Flowery Branch Road bridge, and Jesse Cronic Road bridge)
  • Upgrading signing, striping, and the guardrail
Read More Speaker Request Form Document Library
Construction Updates

Virtual Ribbon Cutting

In concordance with social distancing practices, instead of a typical in-person ribbon cutting event, Georgia DOT produced a video that can be shared to celebrate this momentous occasion. The video features imagery and visuals of project construction and milestones, and includes remarks from Georgia DOT leadership, members of the project team, and project stakeholders.  

Project Map

Interactive Timeline

  • 2016-2017
  • 2016
  • 2018
  • 2018
  • January 2019
  • June 2019
  • July 2019
  • July 2019
  • December 2019
  • June 2020
  • 2016-2017

    I-85 Widening Environmental process
    Continue reading
  • 2016

    Hosted a series of Public Information Open House (PIOH) meetings to show current concept plans and receive feedback.
    Continue reading
  • 2018

    Awarded developer, C.W. Matthews, begins final design of the project The consultant teams design an initial 30% of the project. The design is handed over to the selected developer to complete and construct.
    Continue reading
  • 2018

    Construction began
    Continue reading
  • January 2019

    Spout Springs Road bridge closes for demolition and reconstruction
    Continue reading
  • June 2019

    5
    Jesse Cronic Road bridge closes for demolition and reconstruction
    Continue reading
  • July 2019

    Project reaches half-way mark on construction
    Continue reading
  • July 2019

    7
    Spout Springs Road bridge reopens
    Continue reading
  • December 2019

    Jesse Cronic Bridge reopens
    Continue reading
  • 2020

    Open to traffic in June 2020
    Continue reading

Project Status

Georgia DOT selected Design-Build team (C.W. Matthews) who will design and construct the project using an accelerated process. Construction began in July 2018, reached its halfway point milestone in July 2019, and opened to traffic in June 2020, 41 days ahead of schedule

Noise Barriers

Noise barriers were evaluated as part of this project in accordance with the Georgia DOT noise policy and Federal Highway Administration noise regulations. Property owners and renters who would benefit from a proposed noise barrier were given the opportunity to participate in noise barrier voting. Download a noise barrier fact sheet here.


Contact Information
Email: 85Widening@dot.ga.gov
Phone: 404-347-0185
Mailing Address: 899 Highway 124, Braselton, GA 30517 (field office)

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GADeptofTrans avatarGeorgia DOT@GADeptofTrans·
5 Jan 1346486862488227840

Here's one thing we're looking forward to this year πŸ‘€...the construction starting on the 85 Widening Phase 2 project. Learn more about the #85Widening Phase 2 project here: http://bit.ly/3rH1gdq

Twitter feed video.
Image for the Tweet beginning: Here's one thing we're looking
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GADeptofTrans avatarGeorgia DOT@GADeptofTrans·
5 Nov 1324351176217944064

What's one benefit of the #85Widening Phase 2 project? We'll be adding a lane to help ease your commute! The general purpose lanes will expand from two to three lanes in both directions from SR 53 to just north of US 129. Learn more here πŸ™‚ http://bit.ly/I85Phase2

Twitter feed video.
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GADeptofTrans avatarGeorgia DOT@GADeptofTrans·
20 Jul 1285197768923873280

I-85 Widening, Phase 1 & Phase 2 are expected to give commuters a 69% reduction in traffic delays. We're halfway there with the completion of the Phase 1 project! Check out this video to learn more about the benefits coming your way on I-85 north of metro Atlanta. 😊 #85Widening

Twitter feed video.
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GADeptofTrans avatarGeorgia DOT@GADeptofTrans·
11 Feb 1227261279150256132

#Fact On average, it takes 6 months to replace a bridge. We closed the Jesse Cronic Road Bridge in June 2019 and had it back open to you before the new year. πŸ‘What's up next? The Flowery Branch Road Bridge over I-85. #WorkingForYou #85Widening

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GADeptofTrans avatarGeorgia DOT@GADeptofTrans·
6 Feb 1225510783305625604

Construction on the final bridge replacement in the #85Widening Phase 1 project has started. πŸ‘ Flowery Branch Road Bridge is expected to be open to traffic again in June. #WorkingForYou #MajorMobility @GDOTNE

Twitter feed video.
Image for the Tweet beginning: Construction on the final bridge
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