ATLANTA — Channel 2 Action News has learned that the feds have signed off on a massive transportation project that will change the Interstate 285 and state Route 400 interchange into the next "spaghetti junction."
Channel 2's Lori Geary confirmed that the federal government gave the environmental OK on what will be the largest and most expensive project in Georgia history.
It will cost taxpayers $1.1 billion.
"What we're looking at is a spaghetti junction-type interchange, lots of flyover bridges, high bridges. Lots of choices for commuters," said Natalie Dale, with the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Dale says the second part of the project will include special-access lanes so some commuters can avoid I-285.
Dale says this new federal clearance will allow the state to move forward with construction. She says a private company will loan Georgia the money to get started.
The feds are pitching in almost $750 million. The state will pick up the rest of the tab on the three-year construction project.
"There will be a lot of construction in that area over a 42-month period, but we know at the end it will be well worth the aches and pains to get there," Dale said.
"They definitely need it. They need some sort of relief for 400," one driver told Geary.
But others say Georgia should invest that $1 billion to expand MARTA.
"MARTA would reduce traffic. The infrastructure is already in place, and I feel like it would be the most benefit; the most bang for your buck," driver Seema Patel told Geary
The bidding process can now get underway, with construction set to start next year. The project is expected to be done in 2019.
WSBTV
