The Georgia Department of Transportation announced on Mar. 23 that major construction activities for the State Route 400 Express Lanes Project will begin in April. The project, described as the largest transportation infrastructure effort in state history, is expected to bring significant mobility improvements to Fulton and Forsyth counties.
The new express lanes are designed to help manage congestion and improve travel reliability along a key north-south corridor serving fast-growing communities north of Atlanta. According to the department, motorists will soon see construction equipment mobilizing, work zones established, and phased traffic shifts as crews start foundational work such as building new bridges and upgrading interchanges. All planned construction activities are anticipated to be complete by 2031.
Construction is scheduled both during the day and overnight hours, with nighttime work typically occurring from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. in order to minimize daytime traffic disruptions. The schedule may vary depending on location and activity, and updates will be provided through the project website where motorists can also subscribe for weekly traffic alerts and monthly progress updates.
The SR 400 Express Lanes Project includes two tolled express lanes in each direction between North Springs MARTA Station and McGinnis Ferry Road, with one lane each way extending further north past McFarland Parkway. The lanes will use dynamic pricing—toll rates that adjust based on real-time conditions—and advanced signage will display current rates at every entrance so drivers can make informed decisions about using them while keeping general-purpose lanes free.
Additionally, dedicated stations for MARTA’s future Bus Rapid Transit system are part of the plan, aiming to enhance transit options along SR 400 with direct access at Holcomb Bridge Road, North Point Mall, and Windward Park & Ride locations.
Delivered through a public-private partnership with SR 400 Peach Partners LLC over an approximately 56-year period, officials say this model requires minimal public funding while supporting faster delivery times for completion.
For more information or real-time updates about work status or traffic conditions related to this project, residents are encouraged to visit the official SR 400 Express Lanes website or use Georgia’s “511” resources.
