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Commenters requested information regarding why the new lanes are…

  • July 31, 2019June 10, 2020
  • by Brandon Batt

There is no single budget from which all types of projects are funded, and budgets are typically allocated for specific needs by the state legislature. Accordingly, funds used by GDOT for Georgia Express Lanes do not come from a budget that would be otherwise earmarked for transit. However, GDOT supports transit and works with transit agencies throughout the region to improve transit options. The Georgia Express Lanes system is an investment that enhances transit options and opportunities in the corridor. Dedicated express lanes offer more reliable trip times to transit riders at no additional cost and greater predictability for transit operators. Improved service along these corridors makes transit a more attractive alternative, which can help reduce the number of vehicles on those routes. GDOT, via the Georgia Express Lanes network, is providing greater reliability, expanding growth opportunities, and enhancing connectivity for the region’s transit systems. Regional transit providers are expanding park-and-rides in express lanes corridors and considering additional service in order to accommodate the ridership demand.

As a dynamically priced system, the Georgia Express Lanes are offered as a choice that complements the general purpose lanes along the interstates in some of the most congested corridors around metro Atlanta. These lanes provide a choice for drivers to bypass congestion when desired, offer a clear path for transit operators, and add an alternative to the general purpose lanes that exist today. The result will be a network of express lanes that provide more reliable and predictable trip times. All Georgia Express Lanes rely on a dynamically-priced toll in order to provide reliable travel times especially during peak congestion.

Studies show that express lanes have a much more reliable travel speed than carpool lanes and provide more consistent performance over time.

Rates on any express lane are based on a dynamic pricing format, which increases the price during peak travel times and decreases the price during off-peak times. Dynamic pricing facilitates reliable trip times for those utilizing the express lanes including those in transit vehicles. Dynamic pricing allows as many motorists as possible to use the lanes while still meeting expectations for free-flowing traffic.

 

State-registered transit vehicles, vanpools, and emergency management services (EMS) are the only vehicles that can ride toll-exempt on the express lanes. State-registered alternative fuel vehicles, motorcycles, and all carpools must pay the toll on the SR 400 Express Lanes.

Commenters requested clarification of potential traffic impacts of existing construction along the corridor overlapping with the construction of the SR 400 Express Lanes.
Commenters expressed concerns that the lanes would only benefit those who can afford the toll.
Retweet on TwitterGeorgia DOT Retweeted
lutzie43 avatarLutzie 43 Foundation@lutzie43·
2h 1382396450127151110

@NSCsafety Distracted driving can be eating & drinking, talking with people in the car, messing with the stereo, daydreaming, or anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving. Go to to learn more about distracted driving. #JustDrive21

Lutzie 43 Foundation

lutzie43.org

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GADeptofTrans avatarGeorgia DOT@GADeptofTrans·
3h 1382383892192198656

Happening Now: All lanes blocked I-85 NB at Flat Shoals Rd. Emergency personnel are on scene. Motorists are urged to seek alternate route. @GDOTATL #ATLTraffic @ajcwsbtraffic @WSBTraffic @FOX5Atlanta @11AliveTraffic @CBS46Traffic

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GADeptofTrans avatarGeorgia DOT@GADeptofTrans·
5h 1382351889598185477

Daytime Paving Operations on SR 166 at Boat Rock, New Hope Roads Begin Next Week -

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GADeptofTrans avatarGeorgia DOT@GADeptofTrans·
8h 1382318114877083651

Do you live, work or play in metro Atlanta? New commute options are headed your way with the #285Westside Express Lanes. Explore the benefits by visiting https://bit.ly/2JXIYDR #GAExpressLanes

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GADeptofTrans avatarGeorgia DOT@GADeptofTrans·
22h 1382108945288925186

ICYMI - @GDOTATL

Georgia DOT@GADeptofTrans

UPDATE: I-85 Southbound at I-285... repairs completed - all lanes now open. #ATLTraffic @ajcwsbtraffic @WSBTraffic @CBS46Traffic @FOX5Atlanta @11AliveTraffic

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