I-85 Chantilly Parkway Capacity Project

A major transportation improvement is coming to the I-85 and Chantilly Parkway corridor, with construction scheduled to begin Monday, October 5, 2026.

The I-85 Capacity Project is designed to improve safety, reduce congestion and make travel through this busy corridor more efficient. The project will expand capacity along I-85, upgrade four bridges, widen lanes and add an additional left-turn lane for drivers accessing I-85 South.

Construction is expected to take approximately three and a half years, with completion anticipated around April 2030.

As work gets underway, drivers, residents and businesses can expect some temporary traffic changes. Here’s what you need to know.

Most Lane Closures Will Take Place Overnight

To reduce disruptions during peak travel periods, standard lane closures will be limited to overnight hours:

Sunday through Thursday, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Planned lane closures will also be restricted during major holidays and high-traffic events, including Christmas and New Year’s, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July and Thanksgiving.

Restrictions will also be in place around Auburn A-Day or Alabama State Black & Gold spring football games and Auburn or Alabama State home football game weekends.

Occasional closures outside the standard schedule may still be necessary because of weather, seasonal conditions or critical construction milestones.

How Access to I-85 Will Change During Construction

One of the most noticeable changes for drivers will be the temporary restriction of direct left turns onto the I-85 entrance ramps from Chantilly Parkway.

The change is intended to keep traffic moving efficiently through the intersection. Maintaining direct left turns during construction would require reducing the number of through-lanes and increasing traffic signal wait times, potentially creating significant backups.
Instead, drivers entering I-85 will use nearby U-turn locations.

Entering I-85 South from Westbound Chantilly Parkway

Drivers traveling westbound on Chantilly Parkway should continue to Arrowhead Drive, make a U-turn at the signal and travel eastbound on Chantilly Parkway (SR-110) to access the I-85 South entrance ramp.

Entering I-85 North from Eastbound Chantilly Parkway

Drivers traveling eastbound should continue to the U-turn bulb at Eastchase Parkway, make a U-turn and travel westbound on Chantilly Parkway (SR-110) to access the I-85 North entrance ramp.

These changes apply only to drivers entering I-85. Drivers exiting I-85 onto Chantilly Parkway will continue to use the existing movements.

The signal at Arrowhead Drive is temporary and will remain only for the duration of the project to help manage I-85 Southbound U-turn traffic.

Chantilly Parkway Will Close for Two Bridge Demolition Weekends

Bridge demolition will require two separate weekend closures of Chantilly Parkway, with one closure needed for each I-85 bridge over the parkway.

Exact dates have not yet been determined.

Each closure is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Friday and end no later than 4 a.m. Monday, allowing Chantilly Parkway to reopen before the Monday morning commute.

Official closure dates will be announced at least two weeks in advance on I85Chantilly.com and through project social media channels.
To minimize disruption, bridge demolition closures will not be scheduled during Labor Day, Memorial Day or July 4th weekends; Auburn or Alabama State home football weekends; or the holiday season from November 15 through January 2.

Strict financial incentives and penalties are also in place to help ensure the contractor completes the work and reopens the roadway on schedule.

What Are the Detours During a Chantilly Parkway Closure?

Drivers will have designated detour routes during the two bridge demolition weekends.

Atlanta Highway to Chantilly Parkway: Take I-85 South to Exit 9 (Taylor Road/SR-271), turn left onto Taylor Road and take I-85 North to Exit 11 for Chantilly Parkway. The detour is approximately 4.2 miles and adds about six minutes to the trip.

Chantilly Parkway to Atlanta Highway: Take I-85 North to Exit 16 (Waugh/SR-126), turn left onto SR-126 and take I-85 South to Exit 11 for Atlanta Highway. The detour is approximately 10.2 miles and adds about 10 minutes.

ALDOT will continuously monitor traffic along Taylor Road during these closures and adjust traffic signals as needed to help minimize delays.

Businesses Will Remain Accessible

Businesses throughout the Chantilly Parkway area will remain accessible during construction.

Customer and delivery access will be maintained along Chantilly Parkway and nearby connecting corridors, including TechnaCenter Drive, Boyd-Cooper Parkway, SR-126 (Atlanta Highway) and Eastchase Parkway.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to continue supporting businesses throughout the area during every phase of construction.

Stay Informed Before You Travel

Because construction schedules and traffic impacts can change as work progresses, drivers are encouraged to stay informed.

Visit this website regularly for general project information, traffic maps and the opportunity to sign up for direct email or text alerts.

Major project updates and detour announcements will also be shared through ALDOT Southeast Region on Facebook and Instagram.

For questions or concerns regarding the I-85 Chantilly project, email [email protected].

Construction Begins October 5

The I-85 Capacity Project represents a significant investment in improving safety and mobility through the I-85 and Chantilly Parkway corridor. While construction will require temporary changes for motorists, careful scheduling, overnight lane closures, designated detours and continued business access are designed to minimize disruptions as much as possible.
Before heading through the corridor, check I85Chantilly.com for the latest project and traffic information.