I-285 Top End Express Lanes
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 was recently featured at a series of Public Information Open Houses (PIOHs). A summary of themes, comments and responses is available and a full response to comments is expected in April/May 2020. If you would like to view the project comment response summary letter or the materials that were shown at the PIOHs materials, please visit the Document Library.
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.
Project Map
Interactive Timeline
- 2006
- 2009
- 2012
- 2016
- 2017
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2019/2021
- 2020
- Late 2020/Early 2021
- 2020
- 2022/2023
- 2023
- 2023
- 2025/2026
- 2026
- 2028
- 2032
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2006
Evaluated options to increase mobility on I-285 through Revive285 project. Notice of Intent (NOI) issued -
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2012
Opened the I-285/Ashford Dunwoody Road diverging diamond interchange (DDI), one of the high-priority operational improvements proposed as part of Revive285. Widened Roswell Road bridge over I-285, one of the high-priority improvements proposed as part of Revive285 -
2016
Opened the I-285/Riverside Drive roundabout, one of the operational improvements proposed as part of Revive285. Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP) announced -
2017
Opened the I-75/Windy Hill Road diverging diamond interchange (DDI), one of the operational improvements proposed as part of Revive285 -
2017
Began construction on the Transform 285/400project, one of the projects originally proposed as part of Revive285. This project is scheduled to open to traffic in late-2020. -
2018
Began construction on the Transform 285/400 project, one of the projects originally proposed as part of Revive285. This project is scheduled to open to traffic in late-2020. -
2019
Hosted community meetings for rescission of original Notice of Intent (NOI) of the Revive285 project and issuance of new NOI for I-285 Top End Express Lanes project. -
2019/2021
Right-of-way acquisition Regardless of the design, this is what is needed for constructability purposes. -
2020
Public Information Open Houses (PIOHs) Offers more information about the project, shows initial concept layout, and provides opportunities for public feedback and comments -
Late 2020/ Early 2021
Public Hearing Open Houses (PHOHs) Opportunities for view a more advanced concept and the environmental document, as well as offers a chance for public feedback and comments. -
2020
Procurement starts to bring a developer on board for the I-285 Top End East Express Lanes -
2022/2023
Awarded developer begins final design of the I-285 Top End East Express Lanes project. The consultant teams design an initial 30% of the project. The design is handed over to the selected developer to complete and construct. -
2023
Procurement starts to bring a developer on board for the I-285 Top End West Express Lanes -
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2025/2026
Awarded developer begins final design of the I-285 Top End West Express Lanes project The consultant teams design an initial 30% of the project. The design is handed over to the selected developer to complete and construct. -
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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
Project Public Participation
A series of Public Information Open Houses (PIOHs) was held in January 2020. The purpose of these meetings was to provide opportunities for the public to view current plans, ask questions, and provide feedback.
If you would like to view the materials that were shown at the PIOHs materials, please visit the Document Library.
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)
Mailing Address: Georgia DOT – One Georgia Center, 600 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308