I-85 SOUTHBOUND ALL LANES NOW OPEN – PERMANENT REPAIR TOMORROW

WHERE: I-85 southbound just south of exit ramp to US 129/SR 11, Exit 137 in the City of Jefferson. Southbound traffic was detoured up the exit ramp, across US 129/SR 11 and back onto the interstate via the entrance ramp.

WHEN: A crane crashed approximately 5 p.m. today. All lanes of the interstate were closed after the crash. I-85 northbound reopened at 7:30 p.m. to traffic. I-85 southbound opened to traffic at 9:55 p.m. tonight. One hour ahead earlier than expected. Repairs will be completed to the roadway and cable barrier beginning at 9 a.m. tomorrow. One lane of the interstate will be closed at a time for repairs tomorrow.

WHAT: Georgia DOT is finished with tonight’s temporary repair work. Approximately 800 feet of cable barrier was damaged. The driving surface of the roadway was gouged and scraped leaving a ragged driving surface. Cold mix asphalt will be used for temporary repairs tonight. Tomorrow, if weather permits, the damaged asphalt will be removed and replaced creating a smooth driving surface again. Approximately 200 feet asphalt in each southbound lane was damaged in the crash yielding 400 feet of asphalt to be removed and replaced.

Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this or any other construction project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.