Lane Closure on I-85 Tomorrow Night in Gwinnett

The Georgia Department of Transportation announced a lane closure overnight March 13 if weather permits to install new signage on Interstate 85 in Buford. The right lane and right shoulder of   I-85 southbound only will be closed for about one mile around SR 20/Buford Drive, Exit 115. This lane closure will begin at 9 p.m. Tuesday and continue until 5 a.m. Wednesday. No lane closure will occur on I-85 northbound. 

“These signs are ten years old and are losing their retro-reflectivity, meaning the signs aren’t reflecting back to the driver well in low light conditions. The signs may look fine during the day but in low light conditions, they can be difficult to see. The new signs will be more visible from a longer distance allowing motorists to read them from farther away. This gives drivers more time to make driving decisions that improves safety for everyone. These signs are the oldest in our system so they will be replaced first,” said state Traffic Engineer, Kathy Zahul.

A statewide interstate sign maintenance plan keeps an inventory. Projects will be developed based on a systematic review by Georgia DOT Engineers to ensure safe visibility for motorists.  Projects will occur along corridors for continuity and to use funds most effectively and efficiently.

 Each day, hundreds of Georgia Department of Transportation employees and contractors work on dozens of highway, bridge and intersection improvements throughout the state.  Their work often brings them and heavy machinery in close proximity to travel lanes. Fifty-seven Georgia DOT personnel and many more motorists, passengers and contractors’ workers have been killed in highway work zone accidents since 1973.  Please help us prevent these tragedies by slowing down; being especially attentive and cautious as you pass through construction work zones; and always driving responsibly.  Safer Driving; Safer Work Zones; For Everyone.  For information on the Department of Transportation, visit (www.dot.ga.gov); you also may follow Georgia DOT on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaDOT) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/gadeptoftrans).

 Contributed by press release from the Georgia DOT.