The proposed I-285 Top End Express Lanes Project has reached a new stage with the release of the Public Hearing Open House (PHOH) Comment Response Letter. The letter, now available on the project website, addresses feedback from 1,175 comments received during the public comment period between June 6 and July 29, 2024.
“The project team continues to refine the combined Final Environmental Impact Statement/Record of Decision (Final EIS/ROD) documents,” according to the statement. These documents are essential for advancing the express lanes project through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. The Final EIS outlines changes made to the project’s Preferred Alternative based on public and agency input and minor design adjustments since the Draft EIS was published in June 2024. The Selected Alternative for the project will be identified in the ROD following these updates.
The Federal Highway Administration’s publication and issuance of the combined Final EIS/ROD is anticipated in Quarter 4 of 2025.
Part of Georgia DOT’s Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP), this express lanes initiative aims to enhance infrastructure across Georgia. A private-sector partner is expected to be chosen for final design, construction, finance, operations, and maintenance of these lanes in exchange for future toll revenue.
The I-285 Top End Project will be divided at Northside Drive into two segments: I-285 East Express Lanes and I-285 West Express Lanes. Procurement activities for East Phase 1 began in late 2024. This phase includes sections from Henderson Rd to Northside Dr westbound on I-285 and from Johnson Ferry Rd to Abernathy Rd NE northbound on SR 400.
Information from this article can be found here.
