Atlanta, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta will face significant traffic disruptions this weekend due to extensive roadwork on the Downtown Connector and the Georgia Tech vs. Clemson football game. Starting Friday evening, multiple lanes on I-75/I-85 will be closed, leading to severe delays for drivers. GDOT advises using the I-285 bypass to avoid congestion. Roadwork is expected to pause during the game, but major repairs will resume afterward. Most work should be completed in time for the Monday morning commute, although users should remain cautious of residual delays.
Atlanta
Major traffic disruptions are expected this weekend on the Downtown Connector due to significant roadwork and events. Roadwork is scheduled on I-75/I-85 southbound from 17th Street to University Avenue, starting at 9 p.m. on Friday and continuing until 12 a.m. on Sunday. At least three right lanes will be closed during this period. Moreover, additional roadwork will take place between 10th Street and University Avenue, where up to four left lanes will be closed.
As a result, severe traffic delays are anticipated throughout the weekend, particularly for those traveling in and out of downtown Atlanta. To mitigate the expected congestion, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) advises drivers to use the I-285 bypass instead of the Downtown Connector. This ongoing roadwork will affect major interstates across metro Atlanta and may lead to even longer delays.
Officials from GDOT confirmed that to alleviate additional traffic on Saturday morning, roadwork will pause during the Georgia Tech vs. Clemson football game. The highly anticipated game, featuring Georgia Tech facing off against No. 12 Clemson, is scheduled for noon EST and is expected to be sold out, further contributing to the area’s congestion.
After the game concludes, major repairs and demolition work on the Downtown Connector will resume Saturday night. GDOT officials strongly recommend that drivers allow extra travel time for their commutes and check map applications for real-time traffic updates to navigate the expected road closures and delays effectively.
Most construction work is projected to be completed in time for the Monday morning commute, but travelers should remain alert to the possibility of residual delays in the area.
Key Details of the Roadwork and Events
- Roadwork on I-75/I-85 southbound from 17th Street to University Avenue
- Closure of at least three right lanes from 9 p.m. Friday until 12 a.m. Sunday
- Up to four left lanes closed between 10th Street and University Avenue
- Severe traffic delays expected throughout the weekend
- GDOT recommends using the I-285 bypass
- Roadwork affects major interstates in metro Atlanta
- Work will pause Saturday morning for Georgia Tech vs. Clemson game
- Major repairs will resume Saturday night
- Game scheduled for noon EST, expected sell-out
- Allow extra travel time and check map apps for updates
- Most work expected to be done by Monday morning commute
FAQ Section
What roadwork is scheduled this weekend on the Downtown Connector?
Roadwork is scheduled on I-75/I-85 southbound from 17th Street to University Avenue starting at 9 p.m. on Friday until 12 a.m. on Sunday. At least three right lanes will be closed, and additional roadwork will occur between 10th Street and University Avenue, with up to four left lanes closed.
When will the roadwork affect traffic?
Severe traffic delays are anticipated throughout the weekend due to construction.
What events are impacting traffic this weekend?
The Georgia Tech vs. Clemson football game is scheduled for noon EST on Saturday and is expected to be sold out, adding to expected congestion.
What recommendations does GDOT have for drivers?
GDOT recommends drivers use the I-285 bypass to avoid traffic, allow extra travel time, and check map apps for real-time traffic updates.
When will most construction work be completed?
Most construction work is expected to be completed in time for the Monday morning commute.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Roadwork Locations | I-75/I-85 southbound from 17th Street to University Avenue |
| Closure Duration | From 9 p.m. Friday to 12 a.m. Sunday |
| Lanes Closed | Three right lanes and up to four left lanes |
| Anti-traffic Recommendation | Use the I-285 bypass |
| Key Event | Georgia Tech vs. Clemson football game at noon EST |
| Completion for Monday Commute | Most work to be done by Monday morning |
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Traffic congestion
- 11 Alive
- Google Search: Georgia Department of Transportation
- WSB Radio
- Google Scholar: Traffic Management
- 13WMAZ
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
