GDOT says $6 billion express lane project could help your daily commute

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — There are new plans for express lanes on one of the busiest stretches of road in all of metro Atlanta.

The new lanes would cover the top half of the perimeter.

The lanes are still in the early stages, but they could really cut down on the drive to and from work.

Drivers on Interstate 75 are already using the express lanes, and they will soon be added to GA-400, but that's nothing compared to what will be built in Cobb County, along one of the busiest stretches of interstate in the country.

The Georgia Department of Transportation confirms It will build new express lanes starting at I-20 on both sides of 285 first.

Then the big piece, along the entire top end.

From Smyrna-Vinings area, before SunTrust Park, all the way over past Spaghetti Junction to the Tucker area in DeKalb County.

Environmental and design work is underway on an almost $6 billion project, the largest ever in Georgia to add new express toll lanes on 285.

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Work could start as early as 2022.

"To address the mobility issues now and in 20-30 years in the future, this project would have two lanes on each side of 285, and not widening 285,” said GDOT spokesperson Natalie Dale.

GDOT said the new lanes on the entire top end, or 285, would help ease congestion for around a quarter million drivers a day.

To do it, the state would need to buy all, or part of 300 properties.

Nothing has been finalized, but some houses in the Murphy-Candler neighborhood of Brookhaven have I-285 running right in their backyards.

One neighbor said her house wouldn’t be in the way, but worries what it will mean for property values and quality of life.

"It's close, so close and not looking forward to hearing all that,” said homeowner Alexandria Foster.

Unlike on I-75, the toll lanes would not be reversible, but would be similarly elevated, with the goal of taking the least amount of property possible.

"If they raise it, I would love to see a higher wall to block that noise,” Foster said.

"We don't like to take right of way, we don't like to purchase homes, more money out of our pocket, and don't like to displace people whenever humanely possible,” Dale said.

While the entire project won't be complete till 2028, there should be maps and designs ready by the start of next year.

Cox Media Group