GDOT proposing HOT lane extension north on I-85

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga — The morning commute could get faster for thousands of drivers, but the speedier route will come at a price.
 
The state is thinking about adding 10 additional miles of toll lanes on Interstate 85 in Gwinnett County.
 
The existing HOT lane runs for 13 miles south to Old Peachtree, but the new plan would extend the lane out past the 985 split, past Buford Drive and out to Hamilton Mill Road.
 
Adding more asphalt north through Gwinnett County is good news to some drivers.
 
"We need additional lanes, more than one, to handle traffic as it grows," Gwinnett resident Cynthia Montgomery said.
 
Locals call the toll lanes by a variety of names, including HOT lanes, Express Lanes, or Lexus lanes, but Montgomery has another nickname, "Out here in Gwinnett County, we call it the rich ditch."
 
The Georgia Department of Transportation calls it a managed lane, meaning the price drivers pay goes up and down depending on traffic.
 
GDOT says the $110 million project would add 10 more miles of express lanes, not take away any existing lanes.
 
"The project will add new asphalt both northbound and southbound so people can choose to use when they need that reliable trip time," Teri Pope of GDOT said.
 
GDOT is planning two public hearings next week to get input on the plan.

WSBTV