The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) announced lane closures on I-75 near Smyrna and Vinings for the ongoing bridge preservation project.

The GDOT press release described the scope and schedule of the work as follows:

“Contractors for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will install lane closures on Interstate 75 (I-75) this weekend in Cobb County.  These closures are related to a bridge preservation project on I-75 at three locations in Cobb and one location in Fulton County.

“Weather and on-site conditions permitting, these are the scheduled closures:

• Three left lanes will be closed on I-75 southbound between Cumberland Boulevard and Northside Parkway from 10 p.m. on Friday, October 20 until 5 a.m. on Monday.
• Three right lanes will be closed I-75 northbound from West Paces Ferry Road to Northside Parkway from 10 p.m. on Friday until 5 a.m. on Monday.   

“Message boards will give drivers advance notice of the upcoming traffic pacing and lane closures. Motorists are advised to expect delays and use signed detours, exercise caution, and reduce their speed while traveling through work zones. Before heading out, get real-time information on work status and traffic conditions. Call 511, visit 511ga.org, or download the Georgia 511 app.”

Recommended safety precautions

The GDOT recommends the following safety precautions for drivers approaching the work zone:

“As always, motorists traveling in the area are reminded to reduce their speeds in the work zone.

“Motorists are also encouraged to wear seatbelts, eliminate distractions behind the wheel, and plan their routes before getting on the road by calling 511 for real-time information on work status and traffic conditions.“

About the Georgia Department of Transportation

The GDOT describes itself as follows:

“Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs and maintains Georgia’s state and federal highways. We’re involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike and pedestrian programs. 

“And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability and mobility. 

“The Department’s vision is to boost Georgia’s competitiveness through leadership in transportation.”

The GDOT’s governing body is the 14-member State Transportation Board. The board is chosen by the state legislative delegations of each of the 14 congressional districts in Georgia. The board members serve five-year terms.

The board is currently chaired by Emily Dunn from the 9th Congressional District.

The State Transportation Board chooses the commissioner, currently Russell R. McMurry.