The I-285 Top End East Express Lanes project focuses on adding two new at-grade and elevated, barrier-separated express lanes in both directions of I-285 between Henderson Road and SR 400, and north on SR 400 Johnson Ferry Road to the North Springs MARTA Station.

This project was originally a piece of the I-285 Top End Express Lanes project, one of the Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP) projects to improve mobility along the northern segment of I-285 in metro Atlanta, one of the most heavily-traveled and congested interstate highways in America.

Through the development of the MMIP, we have considered industry feedback regarding the quantity and timing of major procurements, as well as the size of the procurement packages. After assessing the state of the program, the I-285 Top End Express Lanes project will be constructed into two smaller packages to maximize competition, maintain good pricing, and phase construction for improved maintenance of traffic during construction. The projects will cover the same areas of I-285 and SR 400; however, will be constructed separately.

Project Map

The project is in early stages of development, so the initial concept design is underway and access points are still being determined. The project team is coordinating and collaborating with our partners, such as DeKalb and Fulton counties, the Top End Mayors, and the ATL on future transit and transportation endeavors.

Project Public Participation

Public Information Open Houses

The I-285 Top End East Express Lanes project has been informed by public and stakeholder input from the start. Georgia DOT has incorporated many comments and recommendations into the current project’s plans. In preparation of the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), outreach to corridor stakeholders will continue for additional public review and comment. Georgia DOT plans to hold a round of Public Information Open Houses (PIOHs) to provide early concept information and gather feedback in early 2020. More information about the Environmental process as well as guidebooks can be found here.

Community Conversations

Georgia DOT hosted a series of meetings in May 2019 to inform local stakeholders of the decision to formally close the Revive285 environmental process, rescind the existing Revive285 Notice of Intent (NOI), and to move forward with the I-285 Top End Express Lanes project, which includes the I-285 Top End East Express Lanes.

The Community Conversations: I-285 Top End Express Lanes series allowed the public to view a brief opening presentation, meet with project team members, and ask questions 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 variable 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: TopEndEastExpressLanes@dot.ga.gov (sign up for updates)
Phone: 404-978-7490 (voicemail)
Mailing Address: Georgia Department of Transportation
One Georgia Center | 600 West Peachtree NW
Atlanta, GA 30308