Fresh Loaf

The Masters of Pavement will be resurfacing southbound lanes of I-75/85 this weekend — one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year — and we’re doing our part to tell you to stay the hell away from the asphalt prison during the project. Don’t go near it. If you’re in Marietta and need to get down to Clayton County for some reason, take I-285.

Why? At 9 p.m. on Friday, the DOT will close all but two lanes on I-85 southbound near its merge with I-75. At that same merge, I-75 will be reduced to one lane. Few lanes for a lot of people. The road work will continue until Tuesday morning.

Avoid, avoid, avoid. Take public transit to the many planned festivities this weekend or I-285 if you do have to get behind the wheel.

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Yes, it’s happening again this weekend on I-75/85 downtown between 10th Street and University Avenue. It sucks. If you can, take transit or seriously consider making the long loop around the city on I-285.

After the jump, details from DOT.

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As is the custom on Fridays here, we remind you that the DOT will resume its weekend resurfacing project on I-75/85 between 10th Street and University Avenue. This weekend the agency will close several northbound and southbound lanes, as well as exits in between. If it rains, we’re granted a reprieve, but that’ll be another weekend in the future this goes down. A full list of the exits and specific details about the project are available after the jump.

If you can, use transit to travel this weekend. Idling on the asphalt wasteland wastes gas, burns up money, and pumps disgusting bits of nasty into the air.

If you decide to brave the roads, please use caution.

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This weekend will be the perfect time for you to finally set up that easel in the middle of a busy interstate and start painting the skyline.

Starting Friday at 9 p.m. and lasting until Monday morning, the DOT will close northbound and southbound lanes on I-75/85 to resurface the road between University Avenue and 10th Street. That means both your traffic and the cars traveling in the other direction will sputter rather than speed.

Six southbound exit ramps and four northbound exit ramps will be closed. The I-20 access ramps may be limited to one lane.

Avoid this area. Heed my words. On I-85 southbound, gridlock caused by this resurfacing backs up all the way to North Druid Hills Road. And it’s stop and go at best when it’s not hurry-up-and-wait.

If you can, take public transit to get where you need to go, or consider using I-285. The trip may take just as long, but at least you’ll be moving, your car won’t be idling, and you won’t get frustrated by the people driving illegally down the shoulder.

And if you do decide to brave the interstate, use caution. There’s already been one DOT worker killed during the project.

(Photo by Joeff Davis)

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The Department of Transportation says that several southbound and northbound lanes of I-75/85 will be closed near downtown this weekend. Here are the specifics:

Southbound:

• Four inside (left) lanes will be closed between 17^th Street and I-20

• Two inside (left) lanes will be closed between I-20 and University Avenue

Northbound:

• Three inside (left) lanes will be closed between University Avenue and I-20

• Four inside (left) lanes will be closed between I-20 and 17^th Street

These closures are necessary for crews to safely work in the fourth (center lane). During the weekend crews expect to lay more than 13,000 tons of asphalt brought by more than 350 dump trucks. There will be more than 200 workers within the work zone.

These closures are expected to cause significant delays. Georgia DOT advises motorists to utilize I-285 to avoid backups.

I’ve forgotten about these warnings every weekend and paid dearly for it. Learn from my mistakes and take public transit if you can.

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After gazing into their crystal balls and consulting with Weather God Flip Spiceland, DOT honchos have canceled this weekend’s resurfacing work on I-75/85.

If for some bizarre reason the sun decides to shine and the road crews should begin to work, be on the lookout for activity on southbound lanes between between University Avenue and 10th Street. Look for alternate routes and remember to drive safe.

As always, if you’re looking to get out and about, always take a minute to see if you can get there on public transit. Your cheerful scribe used MARTA last night to get to some rock concert and it was an enjoyable experience. No word of “pressing charges” or anything.

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Because of the weather, so sayeth the DOT. Thou have been informed!

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You might want to avoid I-75/85 between University Avenue and 10th Street starting Friday night. If weather permits, DOT road crews will close three inside northbound lanes for resurfacing until 5 a.m. on Monday.

Background information about the project from the DOT:

Major lane closures will continue on weekends until the work is completed by the end of November. Lane closures will mostly be contained to weekends, starting Friday 9 p.m. through Monday 5 a.m. Any weeknight closures will be limited to shoulder or single lane. Closures will be updated weekly and are subject to change due to weather or to coordinate with the 14th Street Reconstruction Project.

The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph in the work zone area while work is in progress. Fines are doubled in a work zone.

Traffic delays will occur. Please choose alternate modes of transportation, car- or van-pool, or choose alternate routes and allow additional travel time during this construction project. There will be no construction during major holidays.

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