One of the most controversial and most criticized road projects in Georgia history might be expanding. The state is putting forth the possibility of adding 10 more miles of managed High Occupancy Toll Lanes to Interstate 85 in Gwinnett County.
The current express lanes stretch from Shallowford Road in DeKalb County to Old Peachtree Road in Gwinnett County. The possible expansion would continue the lanes all the way to Hamilton Mill Road in northern Gwinnett County.
The expansion would be new lanes, not existing lanes transformed to HOT lanes as the original project was.
“The 85 express expansion project will bring new lanes to this heavily traveled corridor,” said DOT Spokesperson Natalie Dale. “An important aspect of this project, and all future managed lane projects, is that these express lanes will be new build. Commuters don’t have to worry about GDOT converting an existing general purpose lane.”
In my 17 years as a traffic reporter I have never heard more complaints about a single project than I have about the I-85 HOT lanes. People that are opposed to them are vehemently opposed to them and are not shy about expressing their opinions. That being said, the lanes are being used. I see it every morning.
Will the proposed extension of the HOT lanes bring traffic relief? Probably. Just about every morning since school has been back in session, I have seen extra delays on I-85 southbound heading between Hamilton Mill and Interstate 985. One could assume that the new HOT lane would help ease those delays.
“These lanes are designed to improve traffic flow, increase options for motorists and transit, provide reliable trip times, create jobs and bring economic benefits to the residents of this region,” Dale said.
Full Disclosure: I have yet to use the I-85 Express Lanes, and I certainly don’t blame drivers that don’t use them. But, not all commutes are equal. Some mornings are more important than others. I, as a commuter, would find it comforting to know that if need be, I could use the Express Lanes and get somewhere on time.
The DOT recognizes this as part of the benefit of the HOT Lanes.
“Express lanes provide a choice for a reliable trip time for parents picking up their children from daycare or workers late for a meeting,” Dale said.
The DOT expects the project to cost about $110 million. No word yet on how much the toll will be on the new stretch of pavement.
Currently, the existing toll rate tops out $8.50 during peak morning drive to travel the existing 13 mile stretch of HOT lanes between Old Peachtree Road and Shallowford Road. I expect that rate to increase in the near future as traffic continues to get worse on the I-85 corridor. I think we may see the toll reach $10 within the next 12 months.
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