Fairburn, Tyrone and Peachtree City residents are accustomed to the recent delays brought on by road construction along Interstate 85. Those delays will be present again this weekend on the northbound side of the expressway near Ga. Highway 74.

Both northbound ramps connecting Hwy. 74 and I-85 will be closed, and extreme traffic congestion is expected.

The delays will particularly impact motorists coming from Coweta County, as the Interstate will narrow to one northbound lane beginning just before the exit to Hwy. 74 and ending just past the exit.

Department of Transportation spokesperson Karlene Barron said the two right lanes on northbound I-85 will be closed along with the northbound ramps beginning today at 9 p.m. They will remain closed, weather permitting, until 5 a.m. July 11.

The usual alternative routes through Palmetto and Union City are advised for south Fulton and west Fayette residents driving to Atlanta.

Coweta residents heading to Atlanta might consider taking U.S. 29 in Newnan all the way to Ga. Highway 138 in Union City, which will be one exit north of the area where the work is being conducted.

U.S. 29 also leads to South Fulton Parkway, which reconnects with I-85 and has access to I-285.

Additional closures on I-85 this weekend include two left lanes southbound and one right lane northbound from Flat Shoals Road to the Buffington Road overpass for glare screen installation.

"Two weekends ago we saw extreme congestion and delays when we closed the southbound ramps and only one thru lane through the Hwy.74 area. We are expecting significant delays again, but we must do this work," said Metro area construction engineer Mickey McGee. "If the weather cooperates, these closures will be in place this weekend only."

For more information, visit the Georgia DOT website at www.dot.ga.us or the NaviGAtor website at www.georgia-navigator.com or call (404) 463-4939.