WEST END ATLANTA

The Georgia Department of Transportation will reduce 14th Street in Midtown Atlanta to one westbound lane of traffic starting February 14th and will not reopen for about six months.

This lane closure marks the next phase of the 14th Street Reconstruction Project to be completed in spring 2010.



Additionally, the new southbound ramp from I-75/I-85 to 10th Street is expected to open in spring.



Fourteenth Street traffic will shift to a single westbound lane between Crescent Avenue and Williams Street. Motorists traveling south on Williams or West Peachtree streets will not be able to turn right onto 14th Street.



To alleviate expected congestion related to the traffic shift and lane closures, a temporary alternate route for cars, light trucks and motorcycles will be available between Williams and Spring streets. The Williams Street access is just past the 14th Street intersection and the Spring Street access is next to Whole World Improv Theatre. (see attached map)



The 14th Street traffic shift and lane closure is part of an ongoing project to replace the 14th Street Bridge over the Downtown Connector to relieve congestion at the 14th Street interchange. The improved bridge will feature two new exit ramps from the interstate: southbound to 10th Street and northbound to 17th Street. The estimated cost of the project is $88.5 million.



The 14th Street Bridge, which was closed to traffic in April 2008, is expected to reopen by the end of the year, with the new ramp from northbound I-75/I-85 to open soon after.



Traffic delays throughout Downtown, especially in Midtown are to be expected. Motorists should allow additional travel time and/or choose alternate routes during this construction projects. For information on commuting alternatives contact the Clean Air campaign at www.cleanaircampaign.com/



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.



The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia's economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment. For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit our Web site (www.dot.ga.gov).





Melany Reynolds

Government Affairs Project Manager

Georgia Department of Transportation

(404) 631-1827 office

(678) 977-9688 cell