I-85 Overpass Bridge to reopen in Jackson County

The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) will reopen the State Route (SR) 332 bridge over I-85 on Wednesday, August 24, weather permitting. The Jackson County bridge was replaced as part of the I-85 Widening, Phase 2 project, one of the Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP) projects. Six new interstate mainline bridges have also been constructed and are in use.  After an emergency closure of I-85 in mid-March, Georgia DOT accelerated the replacement of the six mainline bridges and allowed an additional 30 days for construction of the overpass at SR 332, which was closed to traffic in January.  “We are grateful for the community’s patience and flexibility as this bridge was reconstructed,” said Georgia DOT Project Manager Albert “Butch” Welch, P.E. “Opening this bridge is another key milestone for the overall project as we continue making strides toward project completion. Georgia DOT will share additional I-85 widening progress in the coming months.”  In addition to added lane capacity, the I-85 Widening, Phase 2 project will improve mobility for passenger and freight vehicles and support Georgia’s fast-growing economic development. Once completed, there will be an estimated 69 percent reduction in corridor delays.  The MMIP is a grouping of large-scale projects expected to yield a significant reduction in congestion along key freight and passenger corridors. The projects will create additional capacity, improve the movement of freight, provide operational improvements and efficiencies, enhance safety, and decrease travel times. More information on the MMIP is located at http://dot.ga.gov/IS/MMIP.