The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has issued its notice to proceed to North Perimeter Contractors to begin work on the $800 million I-285/SR 400 Improvement Project in Atlanta.
According to GDOT, the corridor handles 420,000 vehicles. As of now the notice authorizes right of way acquisitions, preliminary engineering, designs and environmental studies.
“This interchange is one of the busiest and most critical ones in the metro area,” said GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry. “The improvements we are making as part of this project will improve mobility of motorists and goods through our region. I’m very proud of our Georgia DOT team and our partners that we are now able to start delivering results on our commitment to find transportation solutions for this vital economic center of Atlanta. I’m very excited for the innovative approach to deliver this project where the private sector designs, builds, and finances the construction of the project. This innovation has already yielded a significant reduction in cost to the taxpayers. The improved mobility at this interchange, coupled with improved safety of the motorist, will have a positive impact for the region.”
Along SR 400, the project will construct about 5 miles of improvements from just south of the Glenridge Connector north to the Spalding Drive area. Construction of barrier-separated collector-distributor (CD) lanes along I-285 and SR 400 will help reduce weaving, merging, and accelerating/decelerating conflict. The Abernathy Road interchange will be reconstructed, as will existing ramps and bridges in the interchange area. The bridge at Mount Vernon Road will be replaced and new flyover bridges erected. Increased connectivity to I-285 will be an immediate benefit of the project, which is expected to be completed in 2020.
