Q&A on the News

By Andy Johnston

For the AJC

Q: Representatives of the state Transportation Department came to a church in our neighborhood last summer, made a presentation and showed the plans for building the flyover from Ga. 400 southbound to I-85 northbound. They took written questions, and each of us who submitted them received a written reply. How is this project progressing?

-- Dave Kummer, Atlanta

A: This project, which will reconstruct the interchange of Ga. 400 and I-85 by providing connector ramps from Ga. 400 southbound to I-85 northbound and from I-85 southbound to Ga. 400 northbound, is scheduled to begin in late February, Georgia DOT spokesman Mark McKinnon told Q&A on the News in an email. The project will cost $21.5 million and is scheduled to be completed by Dec. 31, 2013. Archer Western Contractors is the contractor. Also, a pedestrian trail, which will include a bridge across North Fork Peachtree Creek, will be constructed from Cheshire Bridge Road to Lenox Road.

Q: Are photo IDs required to obtain an absentee ballot?

-- Ruth Kail, Lilburn

A: No, but only registered voters qualify to receive absentee ballots, Matt Carrothers, spokesman for Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp, told Q&A on the News. You can download an application for an absentee ballot through the secretary of state’s website -- http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/VRinfo.htm -- and the completed form can be either mailed, faxed or presented to your county’s election and registration office. Questions regarding absentee ballots should be directed to your county elections officials.

Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).