1969, the highway was open from its southern terminus to the northern part of Columbus. In 1975, it was redesignated as I-185, since SR 1 Bus had been changed back to SR 1. The highway's northern extension was proposed from the northern part of Columbus to US 27/SR 1 southeast of LaGrange. It was under construction from that interchange to I-85. The next year, the entire northern extension was under construction. In 1978, it was opened from US 27/SR 1 to Smith Road in the northern part of Columbus. It was also open from US 27/SR 1 southeast of LaGrange to I-85. In 1979, I-185 was open for its entire length. The portions of I-185 north of exit 8 were equipped with callboxes as part of a pilot program in May 1999. It was the only stretch of Interstate Highway in Georgia to be so equipped. With the widespread proliferation of cellular phone service and usage, the emergency callboxes were removed from I-185 around 2015. Future In 2006, business and government officials in Southwest Georgia began a campaign to have the Interstate extended to Monticello, Florida, and connect with I-10. The proposed route of the highway would travel parallel to SR 520 (known as "Corridor Z") to Albany and then parallel to US 19. Local opposition to the plan soon emerged. Critics argued that the proposed Interstate would siphon business from small towns that the new road bypassed. In 2009, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) concluded a two-year study of the proposal, which found that extending I-185 would "be inconsistent with existing comprehensive land use plans; would have a negative impact on prime agricultural land, forests and cultural assets; and could have a detrimental impact on poverty and minority populations". GDOT announced it would instead focus on upgrading and improving other key arterial highways in southwest Georgia, including SR 133 between Albany and Valdosta. Exit list See also References 85-1 85-1 1 Georgia Transportation in Columbus, Georgia Transportation in Muscogee County, Georgia Transportation in Harris County, Georgia Transportation in Troup County, Georgia