GDOT Announces Ramp Closures on I-75 and I-85 for Lighting Upgrades

The Georgia Department of Transportation will be installing energy-efficient LED lights and making other lighting repairs at 14 locations on the Downtown Connector.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:51pm

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the towering overpasses and tunnels of the Atlanta highway system, rendered in smooth, airbrushed gradients of blues, grays, and yellows to capture the grand scale and infrastructure of this vital transportation artery.GDOT's ambitious project to upgrade the lighting on Atlanta's vital Downtown Connector highway system will enhance safety and visibility for drivers ahead of the city's hosting of the FIFA World Cup.Atlanta Today

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is closing lanes on Interstates 75 and 85, known as the 'Downtown Connector' in Atlanta, to upgrade the tunnel lighting at 14 different locations. The work will involve installing energy-efficient LED lights and repairing or replacing existing lighting. The closures will take place on various weekends and weekdays through May.

Why it matters

The lighting upgrades are part of a $30 million investment by GDOT to improve the infrastructure and safety of the Downtown Connector ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup events in the Atlanta area. The temporary lane and ramp closures will cause disruptions for drivers, but the long-term benefits of the new energy-efficient lighting will improve visibility and safety for motorists.

The details

GDOT will be closing lanes and ramps at various times over the next several weeks to complete the lighting upgrades. This includes 'rolling' lane closures on the I-75/I-85 Connector, as well as full closures of Techwood Street and Williams Street at certain times. The work is scheduled to take place on weekends and weekdays, with the majority of the closures happening at night from 9pm to 5am.

  • The work began on April 17 and is expected to be completed by May.
  • Closures on the Memorial Drive and Capitol Avenue Tunnels will take place each weekend night starting Friday, April 17, from 9pm until 5am the following mornings.
  • On Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, there will be closures on I-75 from I-85 to the Memorial Drive Tunnels from 9am until 9pm.
  • From 9pm on Friday, April 17 until 6pm on Sunday, there will be one lane closed on I-75/I-85 northbound and southbound between Cleveland Avenue and US 19/US 41/Central Avenue/Porsche Avenue.
  • There will also be 'rolling' lane closures on I-75 northbound and southbound between the I-75/I-85 Connector interchange and Cumberland Boulevard as crews complete the work.

The players

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)

The state agency responsible for maintaining and improving Georgia's transportation infrastructure, including the Interstate 75 and Interstate 85 corridor in Atlanta known as the Downtown Connector.

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What’s next

GDOT expects all of the lighting upgrade work to be finished by May, ahead of the summer's FIFA World Cup events in Atlanta.

The takeaway

The temporary lane and ramp closures on I-75 and I-85 in Atlanta will cause some disruptions for drivers, but the long-term benefits of the new energy-efficient lighting will improve safety and visibility on the Downtown Connector, a critical transportation artery for the city.