The I-285 Top End Express Lanes is one of the Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP) projects to improve mobility along the northern portion of I-285 in metro Atlanta, one of the most heavily-traveled and congested interstate highways in America. These express lanes will be part of the larger Georgia Express Lanes network, designed to provide a connected transportation system with reliable trip times for motorists.

The project is currently being featured at a series of Public Information Open Houses (PIOHs). Scroll down to learn more and click here to provide comment about the project.

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 as two smaller packages to maximize competition, maintain competitive 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 as the I-285 Top End West Express Lanes and I-285 Top End East Express Lanes.

I-285 Top End West Express Lanes: This construction package focuses on adding two new at-grade and elevated, barrier-separated express lanes in both directions of I-285 between Paces Ferry Road and SR 400.

I-285 Top End East Express Lanes: The construction package 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 from the Glenridge Connector to the North Springs MARTA Station.

Current Status

This project is early in development and will follow the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and will result in a Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). An EIS is the most detailed and rigorous level of NEPA study and concludes with a Final Impact Statement and Record of Decision (ROD) for the project. More information about NEPA can be found here

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will be the lead federal agency with the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) as the lead state agency. 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

A series of Public Information Open Houses (PIOHs) will be held in January 2020. The purpose of these meetings is to provide opportunities for the public to view current plans, ask questions, and provide feedback.

If you would like to view the PIOH materials ahead of time or unable to attend, please visit the Document Library . Click here to provide comment about the project. We will be accepting feedback until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, February 25, 2020.

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. The 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 congestion-based 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: TopEndExpressLanes@dot.ga.gov (sign up for updates)
Phone: 404-978-7490 (voicemail)