A major road project begins Monday in Midtown Atlanta. As the multi-million dollar 14th Street bridge reconstruction project begins, Williams Street will become a one lane road.The changes are expected to affect drivers for several years.Williams Street Lane Closures are expected through June 2009. Williams Street in Midtown Atlanta will be reduced to one lane of traffic starting October 1st and will not reopen until summer 2009.This lane closure marks the initial phase of construction projects in the Downtown Connector corridor that includes resurfacing I-75/85 in summer 2008 and replacement of the 14th Street Bridge to be completed in spring 2010.The improved bridge will feature two new exit ramps from the interstate: southbound to 10th Street and northbound to 17th Street. The estimated cost of the project is $88.5 million.

Starting next week, Williams Street traffic will shift to a single lane between 10th and 16th streets. Motorists will be diverted at 10th Street to West Peachtree Street north to 16th Street and at 16th Street back to Williams Street. The detour will include enhanced turn lanes on and off West Peachtree Street from 10th Street and to 16th Street.

Motorists should be aware that the Williams Street lane closure marks the first of several street closings expected to significantly impact traffic congestion in Midtown.

In March 2008 Techwood Drive will be closed to traffic between 16th and 10th streets. The roadway is expected to reopen by September 2009.

In fall 2008 14th Street Bridge and its adjacent roadway will be closed to traffic. Motorists will be detoured to the 17th Street Bridge once the 14th Street Bridge closes. 14th Street and the 14th Street Bridge are expected to reopen by summer 2010.

Traffic on the Downtown Connector will be paced and lanes shifted to accommodate utility and other associated work throughout the course of the project.

Additionally in March 2008 DOT crews will begin resurfacing five miles of the Downtown Connector between University Avenue and 10th Street. The project includes resurfacing northbound and southbound lanes and is expected to be completed by November 2008. During construction, lane closures will be in place at night Monday through Thursday from 7:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. with continuous closures on weekends starting Friday night and concluding Monday morning.

Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this or any other construction project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to bad weather. Callers can also reach live operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.