The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) will temporarily close Interstate 16 (I-16) westbound in Treutlen County at exit 78 for bridge repairs starting Monday, August 14 at 9:00am. Westbound travelers will detour at US 221/State Route 56 (exit 78). A signed 11-mile westbound detour is in place, but motorists are encouraged to plan ahead to find alternate routes, if possible, given the anticipated traffic volumes.
Eastbound lanes on I-16 are not affected and will remain open to traffic.
Georgia DOT inspects more than 15,000 bridges in the state every two years; approximately 8,800 bridges are inspected each year on a two-year inspection cycle. Georgia DOT inspectors recently identified necessary repairs to the I-16 bridge over Pendleton Creek which require a temporary closure of this seven-mile stretch of interstate while the work to the bridge is completed. Current plans call for one lane of I-16 westbound to reopen August 21; however, crews will work to expedite repairs and reopen lanes to travel as soon as possible.
Westbound detour (approximately 11 miles):
Traveling westbound on I-16:
- Take Exit 78
- Turn left onto US 221/SR 56 for 0.6 mile
- Turn right onto SR 86 for 6.75 miles
- Turn Left onto SR 15 for 3.75 miles
- Turn right to re-enter I-16 WB at Exit 71
Motorists are urged to plan ahead and consult 511GA for assistance by dialing 511 or using the 511GA app. Georgia DOT will provide regular updates on the status of the work and expected reopening of the westbound lanes of I-16.
For real-time information about statewide road conditions, know before you go. Before getting into your car – call 511 or visit 511ga.org, where you can access statewide, route-specific information on crashes, road work, traffic and weather. Callers can transfer to operators to report incidents or request assistance on interstate or state routes across Georgia. The system can be also be used to access transit providers, major airports, rideshare organizations, tourism information and 511 systems in surrounding states.
