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Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Less congestion, but at a price
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia is expected to receive an $110 million grant that will be used to create a toll lane along I-85. Most of the 14 miles of the “HOT” lane would be in Gwinnett County, from Spaghetti Junction to Old Peachtree Road.
A HOT lane allows a single driver, and sometimes two-person car pools, to use the lane in exchange for a toll. Large car pools likely would still be able to use the lane for free, according to an article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Imagine. You’re headed into the city. Traffic is bumper-to-bumper in the main road. All you’d have to do is plunk down $14 (assuming a $1 charge per mile) and you move over into a free-flowing lane. The idea is to give drivers an option. Parts of California already use them.
“The concept is simple, but it’s a proven way to keep traffic flowing,” said Mary Peters, the U.S. Transportation Secretary has said.
The Atlanta Regional Commission has to vote on such a project, then allow for public comment. Gov. Sonny Perdue has said the road could open by 2011.
Would you pay to cruise?
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