Union City’s I-85 and SR 138 interchange project is listed for 2028, but construction has not started

The Georgia Department of Transportation lists a major I-85 and SR 138 interchange project in Union City for future construction, but the agency’s current project record shows 0.00% construction completion and no notice-to-proceed date.

Project 0007842 covers approximately 1.79 miles of SR 138, also known as Jonesboro Road, from Goodson Connector to Buffington Road. The entire project is within Union City city limits and Fulton County. GDOT classifies the project status as part of its Construction Work Program, but the record does not identify a construction contractor or contract amount.

What GDOT plans to change

The proposed work would convert the I-85 and SR 138 interchange to a diverging-diamond interchange. That design uses a controlled traffic pattern that shifts vehicles to the opposite side of the roadway between signalized points, allowing interstate ramp movements without conventional left-turn crossings.

GDOT also proposes lengthening the northbound I-85 entrance ramp and the southbound exit ramp to Jonesboro Road/SR 138. On SR 138, the project would add shared through-and-right-turn lanes from Goodson Connector to Lester Road, producing three lanes in each direction on that segment.

The plan also calls for interconnecting and upgrading traffic signals along SR 138 from Goodson Connector west of the interchange to Buffington Road east of it. Landscaping and pedestrian lighting would be improved along Jonesboro Road.

2028 is a program listing, not a guaranteed start

GDOT’s project information lists utility and construction activity for program year 2028. The agency’s FY 2027-2028 project forecast covers July 2026 through June 2028 and lists Project 0007842 in Fulton County under the interchange category.

That places the project in a future construction program, but it does not establish that construction will begin during calendar year 2028. The current record does not show a notice to proceed, contractor, construction contract amount or authorized start of work. A forecast or program-year entry is different from a final contract award.

Latest estimates are separate from any contract price

GDOT’s latest listed estimates are dated February 23, 2026. They include $14,240,000 for right of way, $2,492,600 for utilities and $62,597,286.59 for construction.

The $62.6 million construction figure is an estimate, not a final contract price. The separate right-of-way and utility estimates also mean residents and nearby businesses should watch for future property, utility and contracting notices before assuming the project is ready to build.

Why the location matters locally

Union City’s Safe Streets for All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan identifies Jonesboro Road/SR 138 at the I-85 southbound ramps and at the I-85 northbound ramps as high-injury network intersections.

That finding provides local safety context for the project’s location. It does not establish that the planned interchange will eliminate crashes or produce a specific reduction in delays or travel time.

For commuters, drivers, pedestrians and businesses along the corridor, the practical changes would come later if the project advances: a different interchange traffic pattern, longer ramps, additional lanes, upgraded signals and improved pedestrian lighting. The next records to watch are right-of-way updates, utility-work notices, bid or contract announcements, a notice to proceed and construction advisories.

Sources

• GDOT GeoPI Project Information — Project 0007842
• Union City Safe Streets for All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan