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

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

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)