Update: I-20 was not closed this weekend because of the weather. The lanes will next be closed beginning May 16.
Original story: Two eastbound I-20 lanes in Newton and Rockdale counties will again be closed all weekend, and state officials are urging drivers to avoid the interstate if at all possible.
The two left lanes on I-20 from State Route 138/State Route 20 (exit 82) to Alcovy Road (exit 92) will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday.
“Big delays are expected,” said Georgia Department of Transportation spokesman Mark McKinnon. The closures are for milling of existing pavement and repaving those lanes, work that will continue all summer.
Officials recommend taking alternate routes when possible.
The most direct alternative routes to get back to Newton County from Atlanta are Old Covington Highway north of I-20 and the Access Road/Frontage Road/Iris Drive south of I-20.
However, some Covington News’ Facebook readers said the Access Road has been backed up during past construction weekends, so drivers may need to seek alternatives even further away from I-20.
GDOT encourages drivers to dial 511 from any phone to receive real-time traffic conditions at any time of day or night, McKinnon said.
The average 24-hour traffic on this section of I-20 during 2012 was 66,440 cars, according to McKinnon.
Other weekend construction work on other sections of I-20 includes:
The far right lane on I-20 wesbtound from Alcovy Road (exit 92) to mile marker 95 further east
3 right, westbound lanes will be closed from Moreland Avenue to Capitol Avenue from 9 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Saturday
3 right, eastbound lanes will be closed from McDaniel Street to Moreland Avenue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Saturday and Sunday nights
GDOT said lanes will be open to accommodate Atlanta Braves’ games traffic
I-20 on the west side of Atlanta will have one right, westbound lane from State Route 5 to Liberty Road from 9 p.m.
Friday until 5 a.m. Monday for resurfacing work.
State Route 9 near Lenox Square Mall/Phipps Plaza will be completely closed from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday for the
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure; traffic will be detoured.
