The top end of I-285 is one of the most vibrant areas in the region. The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) estimates that more than 200,000 people rely on this 13-mile corridor between Cumberland and Doraville every day, commuting to and from jobs, making deliveries, running errands or just passing through.
The Northside has witnessed explosive growth over the last several decades, a trend that shows little evidence of slowing. The Atlanta Braves are building a new baseball stadium and an adjacent $400 million development of retail, restaurant, residential, hotel and office space near Cumberland. To the east, the former General Motors assembly plant in Doraville is now under contract by a private developer, with several exciting ideas being considered for reimagining this 167-acre site. At the “buckle” along the I-285 arc, State Farm recently broke ground on a 2.2 million square foot development that will add 3,000 employees in the Perimeter Center area over the next 10 years.
At the same time, as more jobs and people move into an area already experiencing significant congestion, the region faces challenges in funding new transportation investments. A recently announced plan by state officials to overhaul the interchange at Georgia 400 is a good start. Projects along I-75 and, longer term, I-285, will add managed lanes and improve key interchanges.
Though funding has not yet been identified, new transit in the area is a must. State Farm’s decision to locate its new facility adjacent to the Dunwoody MARTA station demonstrates that major companies understand and appreciate the value of public transportation as an option for both employees and visitors. In addition to roads and transit, we must find creative solutions — pedestrian and bike facilities (such as the PATH 400 Trail), teleworking, carpooling and more — to give people options for getting around as they reside or do business in the corridor.
ARC estimates the number of jobs within three miles of I-285 between I-75 and I-85 will increase by almost 85 percent by 2040. That increase makes the need for new infrastructure even more imperative. The Atlanta Regional Commission will continue to work with partners in the public, private and civic sectors to make sure that the Northside corridor continues to thrive.
