GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga.,None — http://bcove.me/08qct2um
In less than 48 hours, the new toll lanes on Interstate 85 will open. The opening means massive changes for thousands of drivers in Gwinnett and DeKalb counties.
Channel 2’s Kerry Kavanaugh drove the entire stretch Thursday. She said the one thing that really stood out is that drivers need to plan ahead.
There are a limited number of entry point and exit points along the toll lanes meaning last-minute traffic decisions will be tough, Kavanaugh said.
The Georgia Department of Transportation's Teri Pope rode along with Kavanaugh to help point out some of the biggest changes coming Saturday.
Kavanaugh said she found an abundance of new signs and lines as she drove along the new lanes.
"And that Peach Pass only sign reminds you that this lane is only for Peach Pass users," Pope said as they drove past the beginning point for the lanes.
Green and purple signs with the Peach Pass logo indicate you're now paying your way.
Big white signs tell you how much the toll to the next exit or to the end of the lane will be.
"You can decide if it's worth it or not to you," Pope said.
Pope said the cost will fluctuate with traffic, with your rate locking in where you enter.
"We have consolidated where you can get in and out of the express lane," Pope said.
Pope also said there are new entry and exit points along the old HOV lane. There will not be an exit out of the toll lane for every exit on I-85, Pope said.
There are four entry/exit points heading south to Atlanta and five heading north.
Pope said if you try to illegally exit along the double white lines, “You'll know it, and you could get a ticket. There is likely going to be congestion in the other lanes, so that'll be each driver’s judgment."
Another big change, Kavanaugh said, is if you're alone in the car and reach the southbound end of that lane at Shallowford Road, you will have to get out of the lane because it changes back to an HOV lane.
You must have at least two people in the vehicle to continue on, GDOT officials said.
Anyone who plans to use the new HOT lanes has to register and get a Peach Pass to use them. That includes single drivers, carpoolers or motorcyclists.
WSBTV
