Georgia Highway 400 Express Lane Project Launches in Metro Atlanta
Key Takeaways
- Georgia Highway 400 will add two managed express lanes in each direction, plus additional lanes in select segments, to reduce congestion.
- The project includes a Bus Rapid Transit route and bridge upgrades to improve safety and transit options.
- Private funding and Peach Pass tolling will cover the $4.6 billion project, with enhanced concrete and radar monitoring to reduce maintenance and improve traffic flow.
A long-anticipated overhaul of Georgia Highway 400 in metro Atlanta has officially launched, according to Urbanize Atlanta.
The $4.6 million project will construct two managed express lanes in each direction along a 16-mile stretch from the North Springs MARTA Station exit in Fulton County to one mile past the McFarland Parkway exit in Forsyth County, 11 Alive News reported.
Certain segments will receive an additional managed lanes and a stretch between McGinnis Ferry Road and McFarland Parkway will see the addition of one express lane in each direction, 11 Alive News reported.
Urbanize Atlanta reported that the highway revamp also includes a Bus Rapid Transit route from MARTA’s North Springs station to the Windward Parkway Park and Ride in Alpharetta, with stops expected at the Sandy Springs MARTA station, Holcomb Bridge Road and near North Point Mall in Alpharetta.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Tolling
The highway improvements include bridge upgrades at Pitts Road, Roberts Drive and Kimball Bridge, according to 11 Alive News.
The managed lanes will use Peach Pass variable pricing, which fluctuates in real-time to smooth traffic flow and reduce congestion by deterring drivers who may not want to pay for use, 11 Alive News reported.
The 16 miles of toll lanes will be built with enhanced concrete to limit maintenance needs while improving safety, and radar-monitored systems will provide real-time traffic and accident alerts, Urbanize Atlanta reported.
The project is funded by a private partner, SR 400 Peach Partners, and therefore will not be paid for by taxpayers. The private company will receive nearly all toll fees for 50 years, when the project will be turned over to the state, according to both news outlets.
Tree clearing began in September, with heavy construction on the six-year project slated for late 2026, according to 11 Alive News. Work will be coordinated to minimize traffic disruptions using advanced modeling techniques and radar-based technology.
Sources: 11 Alive News, Urbanize Atlanta