Existed: 1987 – present North end: I‑285 near Forest Park Constructed 1987 | South end: I‑75 in Stockbridge Length 17.77 km | |
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Counties Henry County, Georgia, Clayton County, Georgia, DeKalb County, Georgia | ||
Interstate 675 (I-675) is an auxiliary interstate highway in the southeast part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. It is 11.04 miles (17.77 km) in length, running from I-75 in Stockbridge in the south to I-285 in the north. I-675 is also designated as the Terrell Starr Parkway and also has the unsigned internal state route designation of State Route 413 (SR 413).
Contents
Map of I-675, Georgia, USA
Route description
Beginning at its southern terminus with Interstate 75, Interstate 675 is a four lane highway with a grassy median and frequently with cable barriers. Between Ellenwood Road/Forest Parkway and the route's northern terminus at Interstate 285 and Moreland Avenue, the freeway expands with three lanes in each direction.
History
At one time, I-675 was to connect with SR 400 in northeast Atlanta. However, this would have destroyed many neighborhoods including Inman Park. Because it was thought that the road was unnecessary due to three other existing north/south interstates across and around the city, and due to community opposition, the road was stopped by then-governor of Georgia Jimmy Carter in 1975. It also would have connected to I-420, and to I-485 (Presidential Parkway), both of which were also (mostly) never built, for the same reasons. What would have been the interchange between this road and I-485 is now the location of the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum.
In 1982, the entire length of the highway was under construction. In 1987, it was open to traffic.
Future
As of 2010, the idea of connecting I-675 and SR 400 has been resurrected, being put on an official list of GDOT priorities. This would extend I-675 north to I-20 with a surface road, then go underground with a road tunnel. This would displace some neighborhoods and industrial areas to the south. The tunnel would protect other areas north of I-20, however there would still be ventilation buildings.
The southern end of Interstate 675 is slated to be expanded to include reversible High occupancy/toll and express toll lanes (ETLs) built within the grassy median. Construction will begin in October 2014.