The top end of I-285 has been ranked as one of the most congested corridors in the country by the Texas Transportation Institute. The institute also cited the top end for gallons of fuel wasted and congestion cost.
And Ga. 400 southbound between the toll plaza and the first exit on I-85 was named the most unreliable corridor in the U.S. during weekday rush hours.
That’s no surprise to the thousands of commuters and visitors who travel these highways daily to the Central Perimeter — the dominant office market in metro Atlanta and a large employment center. Of the 123,515 jobs in the area, 88 percent are filled by commuters, according to the Atlanta Regional Commission.
The congestion also affects 79 percent of the 65,639 people who live in the market but commute out of the area for work.
When you add the additional commutes through the top end and the truck traffic coming through Atlanta, the numbers are staggering: The population of Augusta-Richmond County moves through the I-285 and Ga. 400 interchange each day.
Then there’s the safety issue. The rate of crashes on I-285 top end exceeds the state average for similar roadways by more than 30 percent. More crashes occur near the Ga. 400 interchange than near any other location along the top end of I-285.
Recognizing the importance of reconstructing the I-285 and Ga. 400 interchange to improve traffic flow and safety, the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Atlanta Regional roundtable included the project on the list of improvements for consideration in the T-SPLOST. The project cost is $450 million, of which $112.5 million is proposed from the T-SPLOST and $337.5 million from federal funds.
This investment is valuable to retain and attract businesses in critical economic markets such as Central Perimeter, which has 25 percent more office space than the central business district of Charlotte, N.C. The 4.2-square-mile market core contains commercial real estate valued at $3.36 billion and generates $306.6 million in tax revenue annually.
Assuming an ongoing market recovery, a recent analysis shows a demand for 15.2 million more square feet of corporate office space and 11.9 million more square feet of retail space by 2036. This growth could be jeopardized if transportation improvements are not made to major gateways such as the I-285 and Ga. 400 Interchange.
The day is gone when governments could fully fund infrastructure. A comprehensive package of funds from public and private sectors is needed to get Georgia moving. Competing cities are watching as we address our transportation challenges, which include I-285 at Ga. 400. We have opportunities to make the right decisions.
Let’s get on with it.
Yvonne Williams is president and CEO of the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts.
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