As if Atlanta traffic wasn’t already an issue, drivers heading out this weekend for shopping, errands, family visits or weekend getaways should plan extra time or choose alternate routes.

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has confirmed a full closure of all eastbound lanes of I-285 between Exit 27 (I-75/I-85) and Exit 22 (Northside Parkway) beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, May 15, and continuing through 6 a.m. Monday, May 18.

Avoid I-285: Your Mission This Weekend

I-285 Weekend Shutdown: How To Survive on Atlanta Roads

Now, you may wonder, “Why are they doing this, especially on Mother’s Day weekend?”

Well, the weekend-long shutdown — which covers roughly four miles of the Perimeter in the northwest quadrant — is part of ongoing bridge deck repairs and pavement rehabilitation in the I-285 Top End corridor. Crews will work around the clock to complete concrete pouring, guardrail upgrades and striping work that cannot safely be done during weekday overnight hours.

GDOT spokesperson Maria Delgado said, “We strongly encourage everyone to leave early, use real-time navigation apps and consider public transit or carpooling where possible.”

II-285 Weekend Shutdown: What Drivers Can Expect:

• Eastbound I-285 completely closed between I-75/I-85 and Northside Parkway from Friday 8 p.m. until Monday 6 a.m.
• Detour: Eastbound traffic will be diverted onto I-75 North to Northside Parkway (Exit 260), then local streets or back onto I-285 eastbound after the closure.
• Significant backups are anticipated on I-75, GA-400, Roswell Road, and surface streets through Sandy Springs and Dunwoody.
• Westbound I-285 remains open but will see heavier-than-normal volume as drivers reroute.

GDOT and Atlanta Police are urging caution in construction zones and reminding drivers that speeding fines double in active work areas. Tow trucks will be stationed nearby for quick clearance of any incidents.MARTA rail and bus service will run on regular holiday schedules with no direct impact from the closure, though riders should check marta.com for any adjusted bus routes near the Perimeter.For live traffic updates, drivers can dial 511, visit gdot.org, or follow

Follow GDOT on social meida and download the Georgia 511 app. The agency says the roadway is scheduled to reopen on time Monday morning barring any weather delays.This is the latest in a series of planned I-285 weekend improvements that began last year as part of the multi-year Top End project. GDOT officials say the work is critical for long-term safety and traffic flow around Atlanta’s busiest loop.Mother’s Day travel tips from AtlantaFi:

• Leave for brunch reservations 45–60 minutes earlier than usual.
• Consider restaurants inside the Perimeter or south of I-20 to avoid the closure entirely.
• Have a backup plan — many families are already shifting plans to Saturday instead of Sunday.

Stay with AtlantaFi.com for live updates throughout the weekend. We’ll have traffic cameras, detour maps and on-scene reports as the closure begins tonight. Safe travels, Atlanta — and Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms hitting the road this weekend.

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• Viral video shows Atlantans living in Cars
• Lemonade Insurance: What To Know
• Driverless Rideshares: They’re Now in Atlanta

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed legislation requiring nonpartisan elections for most local offices in the five largest counties in the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston have vowed to challenge the new law in court, calling it unconstitutional.

Fani Willis Threatens Lawsuit Over Georgia Law Mandating Nonpartisan Local Elections in Atlanta-Area Counties

Kemp signed the bill privately on Tuesday, May 13, 2026—the last day he could act on legislation from the 2026 session. The measure affects races in Fulton (which includes most of Atlanta), Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties.

It shifts most local offices to nonpartisan contests starting in 2028, moving them to May ballots alongside judicial elections. Sheriffs would remain partisan.

Under the change, candidates would no longer appear on ballots with party labels (Democrat or Republican). If no candidate receives a majority, a runoff would follow in June. This would generally result in lower-turnout elections compared to November general elections.

Willis and Boston issued a joint statement criticizing the law as “a blatant attempt by Republicans to give their candidates an edge in Democratic counties by hiding their party affiliation from voters.” They argue it violates the Georgia Constitution.

Republicans, including bill sponsor State Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell), have promoted the change as a way to emphasize public safety over partisanship for key local roles. The law targets an area where Democrats have gained significant ground in recent years, flipping traditionally Republican suburban counties like Cobb and Gwinnett. Fulton, DeKalb, and Clayton are longstanding Democratic strongholds.

Critics, including Democrats, contend the measure selectively applies only to the Atlanta region rather than statewide, suggesting it is politically motivated—particularly given that it affects counties led by Democratic district attorneys, several of whom are Black women. Republicans have previously targeted Willis over her prosecution of former President Donald Trump related to the 2020 election.

District attorney associations have noted that DAs may be considered state judicial officers rather than county officials, potentially requiring a constitutional amendment (which needs a two-thirds legislative vote) to change their election status.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in Georgia politics over election rules, partisanship in local offices, and control of the fast-growing Atlanta metro area. A legal challenge from Willis and Boston is expected soon.

Fani Willis endorses Heavenly Kimes for office