Update: The I-285 weekend shutdown has been postponed.
As if Atlanta traffic wasn’t crazy enough, drivers heading out for Mother’s Day brunch, 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 8, and continuing through 6 a.m. Monday, May 11.
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.
“This closure was scheduled for the holiday weekend to keep weekday commuter traffic moving as much as possible, but we know it will still affect thousands of families traveling for Mother’s Day,” said GDOT spokesperson Maria Delgado. “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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