Local

GDOT looks to 'Revive 285,' cut commute

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Georgia Department of Transportation is considering options to help ease the commute for drivers who use Interstate 285.

GDOT said the top end of I-285 is one of the most congested stretches of road in all of metro Atlanta, so now it's looking into options for the "Revive 285" program. The goal is to ease traffic between Interstate 85 in DeKalb County and Interstate 75 in Cobb County.

Four different plans are in the environmental impact phase of consideration, and two of them would include adding managed High Occupancy Toll lanes, known as HOT lanes, like the ones on I-85.

"Now that we see the numbers, that people are using that lane, we see how vital that choice can be for a community," GDOT spokeswoman Natalie Dale said.

Drivers told Channel 2 Action News they welcome any kind of relief at this point.

"It's going to take you an extra hour because there are so many cars out there. It makes it tough to get to work," driver Brooks Collier said.

GDOT will hold several meetings to discuss the proposals with drivers.