Repairs to I-985 are now being done at night to avoid major traffic delays. (photo/GDOT)
(GAINESVILLE, Ga.) – Overnight work continues along the Interstate 985 (I-985) corridor to replace portions of failing and damaged concrete.
Three contractors are working Sunday through Friday nights from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. to get the damaged slabs removed and new concrete poured into those areas.
“This work should be finished by spring of 2018 with the goal of creating a whole new driving surface that will last for 20 or 30 years.” ~ Brent Cook, District Engineer
Georiga Bridge and Concrete of Tucker, GA, J.A. Long of Fortson, GA, and Precision 2000 of Atlanta, GA are working simultaneously on 30 individual projects between the Interstate 85 (I-85) and the I-985 split north to Lula Highway/State Route 52.
“This work should be finished by spring of 2018 with the goal of creating a whole new driving surface that will last for 20 or 30 years,” says District Engineer, Brent Cook, P.E. in the Gainesville office. “After we finish replacing the slabs we will then grind the roadway with another project, this will make I-985 a smoother ride.”
Currently contractors are 30 percent complete with repairs, which began in May of 2016. Earlier work during the day time hours created major delays for commuters therefore work schedules were shifted to night time hours only.
These smaller segments of slab replacements are ideal projects for smaller contractors as the size of the work is more manageable.
Cook adds, “We are trying to engage with different companies and expand our directory of contractors that work with Georgia DOT. These segmented projects give small businesses more opportunities to bid. We have seen an increase in the amount of bidders for these types of projects.”
Motorist need to expect delays if they travel at night along I-985 as single intermittent lane closures are necessary to complete these repairs. Also drive alert and watch for workers in the lanes.
