What had been projected last weekend to be extreme traffic delays along I-85 between Union City and Fairburn seemed more like a stroll in the park. That will hardly be the case this weekend if the weather holds out.

Georgia Dept. of Transportation (DOT) crews are prepared to hit the area between Ga. Highway 138 and Ga. Highway 74 hard to make up for lost time and attempt to keep on a schedule that calls for completion of the project in September. Crews will close the two right lanes on I-85 southbound from Ga. Highway 138 to just north of Ga. Highway 74 beginning 9 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday, said DOT spokesperson Karlene Barron. One southbound lane will also be closed from I-285 and Flat Shoals Road over the weekend. The good news is that all Hwy. 74 exits will remain open this weekend. Weather permitting, ramps will be closed during the June 24 weekend.

Extreme delays are also expected along the northbound route. Two left lanes northbound will be closed from I-285 to Flat Shoals Road.

"Again, extreme delays are expected around the Hwy. 74 exit as contractors will be working with lane closures very close to this exit," said metro area construction engineer Mickey McGee. "We are trying to give as much notice as possible so that motorists can seek alternative ways or even avoid the area if possible."

Barron said crews anticipate completing the southbound work during the June 24 weekend.