Q: Regarding the upcoming HOV lanes on I-85 in Gwinnett: Is there any private investment involved? How will the toll receipts be distributed?
-- Eleanor Hill, Lilburn
A: There is no private investment involved; the lanes are taxpayer-funded. The project is in two parts: setting up the toll system and an expansion of GRTA Xpress buses. The toll system portion, about $60 million, is being paid for largely with state funds, but a small portion is coming from federal grants. In compliance with the Federal Highway Association and the Federal Transit Administration, funds received from the toll will be used for these purposes: paying required debt service; costs associated with operations and maintenance of the lanes; contributions to reserve accounts (reconstruction, resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation, etc.); and reimbursement for any state contributions to cover costs not provided through the federal grants, Malika Reed Wilkins, spokeswoman for the State Road and Tollway Authority, told Q&A on the News. She added that the I-85 Express Lanes will use electronic tolling, meaning there will be no toll booths or stopping when using the lanes. Registered motorists will be able to view their toll activity on their statement online by setting up access to their Peach Pass account at www.peachpass.com.
Lori Johnston wrote this column; staff writer Ariel Hart contributed. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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