
The I-285 Eastside Express Lanes project plans to add one optional, buffer-separated express lane in each direction on I-285 between I-20 and Henderson Road in DeKalb County.
The delivery schedule of the project has been evaluated and sequenced to help with more effective maintenance of traffic during construction. The new project schedule will contribute to less disruptive construction congestion and impacts to local roads during major express lanes construction. Adjusting the schedule also allows the Department to continue discussions with DeKalb County and the ATL on future transit and transportation endeavors.
The project team released an updated visualization video in October 2020 that provides an aerial perspective of the I-285 Eastside Express Lanes project. The below visualization incorporates changes to the project concept following our 2019 Public Information Open Houses. Watch the video below to drive through the project. Changes to the project visualization video include:
- An alignment shift of the Henderson Road bridge over I-285
- The addition of a new direct express lanes interchange access ramp at Northlake Parkway. The existing general-purpose access ramps will be removed.
- The addition of a new weave zone for express lanes access along I-285 near Lavista Road (southbound only) and Lawrenceville Highway (northbound only)
- Widening of the existing I-285 mainline bridges over CSX railroad tracks
- ·The addition of a roundabout at Redan Road/Holcombe Road to enhance safety and reduce congestion
- Highlighting of the I-285 Advanced Improvement Project (I-285 Eastside Bridge Replacements) that will be constructed ahead of the I-285 Eastside Express Lanes
Project Map

Project Public Participation
Georgia DOT held a series of Public Information Open Houses (PIOHs) June of 2019. The purpose of the meetings was to provide opportunities for the public to view current plans, ask questions, and provide feedback. More than 450 people attended the series leaving a substantial number of comments about the project.
Georgia Express Lanes
The Georgia Express Lanes are a network of optional, priced managed lanes that run alongside existing interstates in some of the most congested corridors around metro Atlanta. These lanes provide motorists and transit customers with a choice for more reliable trip times during peak travel periods. The result is a network of lanes that provide more reliable and predictable travel times. All Georgia Express Lanes rely on congestion pricing, with toll rates rising as demand increases during peak periods of travel and falling at off-peak times. Read more here.
Noise Barriers
Noise barriers will be evaluated as part of this project in accordance with the Georgia DOT noise policy and Federal Highway Administration noise regulations. As the environmental field work and roadway design moves forward, property owners and renters who are eligible for a proposed noise barrier will be notified of the opportunity to participate in noise barrier voting. Download a noise barrier fact sheet here.
Contact Information
Email: EastsideExpressLanes@dot.ga.gov
Phone: 678-247-2685
Mailing Address: Georgia DOT – One Georgia Center, 600 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308