Gridlock Guy: Impact of new I-85/Ga 400 may be minimal

The much anticipated new Interstate 85/Ga 400 interchange opened on Wednesday and early indications are it should provide much need relief commuters.

The finished project now allows commuters to ramp from I-85 southbound onto GA 400 northbound, and it also lets commuters ramp from GA 400 southbound onto I-85 northbound. Prior to these ramps opening, drivers needed to navigate surface streets to change directions.

These new ramps were in the original plans when Ga 400 was built, but they were ultimately scrapped.

“This was a project that was included in the original project for Ga. 400, but it was abandoned about20 years ago because they thought the cost was going to be too much. It’s going to be very worthwhile,” said Gov. Nathan Deal.

Better late than never say Atlanta traffic experts.

“It’s going to be wonderful,” said WSB traffic reporter Captain Herb Emory. “Friday afternoon it can take 20-25 minutes to go from 85 south to Ga 400 north. Those people are going to feel the biggest impact.”

By taking those commuters off of the side streets and keeping them on the freeways, Buckhead traffic should be greatly improved.

“The results will be smoother flow of traffic on 400 and 85, which will mean fewer accidents and less pollution and will reduce congestion on Sidney Marcus Boulevard, Lenox Road and Buford Highway,” said Sam Massell, president of the Buckhead Coalition.

Projections from the DOT show that congestion at the intersection of Sidney Marcus Boulevard and Lenox Road is expected to be reduced by between 4,500 to 6,000 vehicles per day.

Through the first couple of days of the new interchange, traffic on the ramps seemed light, but as more commuters become aware of their existence and purpose, we can expect usage to increase.

The DOT projects that an average of 32,200 vehicles per day will use the ramps.

It is yet to be determined if these new ramps will improve the traffic flow on I-85 and Ga 400 themselves.

“I don’t think it is going to change I-85 and GA 400 that much,” said Emory.

At the very least, there should be fewer delays exiting off of Ga 400 southbound onto Sidney Marcus Blvd. and on I-85 southbound exiting off onto Lenox/Cheshire Bridge.

The only question that remains is, what if anything will we call this new interchange?

“We’re going to have to talk about that. I’m not sure we need to name it,” said Emory. “We’ll look at what the survey thinks.”

In an online poll on wsbradio.com, commuters were asked to vote on what to call the new interchange. The top three vote getters so far: “The Buckhead Flyover,” “The Buckhead Boomerang” and “The 485.”