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New Funding Fast-Tracks Major Transportation Projects in Metro Atlanta

Posted on: Jul 10, 2017

A better, safer commute could soon be on the way in metro Atlanta, thanks to a significant increase in state and federal transportation funding.

The new funds enable a number of projects in the Atlanta Regional Commission’s long-range transportation plan to be fast-tracked and come online years earlier than they would have otherwise.

These carefully targeted investments include improving highway intersections to allow for better traffic flow and safety and expanding the region’s network of Express lanes, which offer a faster and more reliable commute for those who carpool, ride transit, or pay a toll that rises and falls based on traffic congestion.

The Atlanta Regional Commission is in the process of updating its short-range transportation plan, known as the Transportation Improvement Program, or TIP, to reflect the new funding streams and construction timetables.

A public hearing will take place at 10:30 a.m. on July 13 at the Atlanta Regional Commission.

What’s on Tap: New Express Lanes, Highway Interchanges, Truck Lanes

Tip Open House Infographic

The additional transportation dollars are helping fund the state’s Major Mobility Investment Program, managed by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

This program includes nine projects in metro Atlanta, which are expected to be complete or under construction by 2025:

  • Express Lanes on Ga. 400
    • Two new Express (managed) lanes in each direction between I-285 and McGinnis Ferry Road.
    • Cost estimate: $1.8 billion
  • Express Lanes on I-285 West Wall
    • One new Express (managed) lane in each direction between I-20 and I-75
    • Cost estimate: $655 million
  • Express Lanes on I-285 Top End
    • Two new Express (managed) lanes in each direction along top end of the Perimeter between I-75 and I-85
    • Cost estimate: $4.2 billion
  • Express Lanes on I-285 East Wall
    • One new Express (managed) lane in each direction between I-20 and I-285
    • Cost Estimate: $580 million
  • I-285/I-20 East Interchange
    • Ramp reconstruction; construction of “collector-distributor” lanes between Wesley Chapel and I-285; construction of a westbound auxiliary lane between Lithonia Industrial Blvd. and Panola Road
    • Cost estimate: $475 million (excluding cost of connecting to Express Lanes)
  • I-285/I-20 West Interchange
    • Additional capacity along I-20 eastbound and a westbound collector-distributor lane from I-285 to Fulton Industrial Blvd; the existing left-hand exits will be reconfigured to right-hand exits
    • Cost estimate: $790 million (excluding cost of connecting to Express Lanes)
  • I-85 North Widening (Hamilton Mill to SR 211)
    • Adds an additional general‑purpose lane from the end of the current managed lanes at Hamilton Mill
    • Cost: $135 million
  • I-85 North Widening (SR 211 to U.S. 129)
    • Adds an additional general purpose lane
    • Cost Estimate: $305 million
  • I-75 Commercial Vehicle Lanes
    • Addition of two designated, barrier-separated truck lanes in the northbound direction along I-75 new Express (managed) lanes in each direction between I-285 and McGinnis Ferry Road
    • Cost estimate: $1.8 billion

Driven by a newfound spirit of collaboration

The push to increase transportation funding was led by Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and the state Legislature. These leaders, recognizing the need to improve mobility in metro Atlanta and across the state, worked to pass the Transportation Funding Act of 2015, which provides $750 million to $1 billion a year in additional funding each year – effectively doubling the state’s transportation budget.

The legislative success can be traced in part to a newfound spirit of collaboration that has been forged among the region’s transportation agencies — GDOT, SRTA/GRTA, MARTA — and ARC. This helped change the climate about transportation investment in metro Atlanta following the failed 2012 referendum.

“This has led to significant investment in our transportation network that will enable us to implement our region’s long-range plan in a much more timely fashion, so we can keep up with growth and remain a thriving, competitive region,” said Doug Hooker, ARC Executive Director. “We are seeing unprecedented support from our governor and state legislature, as well as voters across the region who have approved ballot measures to increase funding for road and transit projects.”

Road Projects Only Part of Traffic Solution

It’s important to note that the Atlanta region can’t build its way out of congestion. Every thriving region wrestles with traffic problems to one extent or another.

Going forward, improving metro Atlanta’s traffic congestion requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes expanding transit options and fostering the development of communities where it’s easy to get around by walking or biking. And alternative commute options, such as carpooling and teleworking, will also play a key role.

Improving the region’s walking, biking and transit options will also help metro Atlanta’s ability attract and retain young professionals and also provide improved mobility for the region’s fast-growing population of older adults, enabling them to remain in their communities as they age.

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33°n
CDAP
Community Planning Academy
ConnectA
Empowerline
Georgia Commute Options
Green Communities
LCI
LINK
MARC
Metro Atlanta Speaks
MNG Water Planning District
RLI
State of the Region
UASI
WorkSource GA