The Georgia Department of Transportation will hold a series of public information meetings in May as it moves forward with plans for toll lanes on the top half of the Perimeter.
GDOT will hold seven public meetings to provide information on the proposed “top end” lanes – from Paces Ferry Road in Cobb County to Henderson Road in DeKalb County. GDOT has proposed adding two toll lanes in each direction on that stretch of I-285, and an Ga. 400 from the Perimeter to the North Springs MARTA station. It also has proposed adding a single lane in each direction on the west (I-20 to Paces Ferry Road) and east (I-20 to Henderson Road) sides of the highway that circles Atlanta.
The hearings come as GDOT's plans have sparked concern from some residents, who fear their neighborhoods could be adversely affected. The agency expects to acquire or obtain easements for about 300 parcels for the top-end segment of the toll lanes project.
The I-285 lanes are part of a planned 120-network of metro Atlanta "express lanes." More than half that network has already been completed. The I-285 lanes are also part of Georgia's Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP), a series of major road construction projects across the state.
Tim Matthews, GDOT’s MMIP manager, said the upcoming forums will give the public a chance to learn about the top-end project. “We are hear to listen and address any questions you have,” he said in a press release announcing the forums.
Here’s the schedule:
*Noon to 2 p.m. May 14 at Clarion Conference Center, 2001 Clearview Ave., Doraville.
*6 to 8 p.m. May 14 at Chamblee First United Methodist Church, 4147 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Chamblee.
*Noon to 2 p.m. May 15 at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 1978 Mt. Vernon Road, Dunwoody.
*6 to 8 p.m. May 21 at the Smyrna Community Center, 200 Village Green Circle SE, Smyrna.
*Noon to 2 p.m. May 22 at the Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Suites, 6120 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Sandy Springs.
*6 to 8 p.m. May 22 at Dunwoody City Hall, 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE, Dunwoody.
*6 to 8 p.m. May 23 at Brookhaven City Hall, 4362 Peachtree Road, Brookhaven.
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