The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has released the Public Hearing Open House (PHOH) Comment Response Letter for the I-285 Top End Express Lanes Project. This document, which is now available on the project website, addresses feedback received during the public comment period from June 6 to July 29, 2024. A total of 1,175 comments were submitted and have been responded to by the project team.
The team is also working on finalizing the combined Final Environmental Impact Statement/Record of Decision (Final EIS/ROD) documents necessary for advancing in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. The Final EIS reflects updates based on public and agency comments and design refinements since the Draft EIS was published in June 2024. These updates have led to identifying a Selected Alternative for the project in the ROD. The Federal Highway Administration’s publication of these documents is anticipated in Quarter 4 of 2025.
This express lanes project is part of GDOT’s Major Mobility Investment Program aimed at improving infrastructure across Georgia. GDOT plans to select a private-sector partner responsible for designing, constructing, financing, operating, and maintaining 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 with specified limits including parts of I-285 and SR 400.
For more information or inquiries about this project or other transportation initiatives by GDOT, individuals can contact via email at topendexpresslanes@dot.ga.gov or phone at (404) 978-7490.
