Hearings Set for I-285 Project to Expand Transportation Options

ATLANTA – The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, the Atlanta-region Transit Link Authority and the Georgia Department of Transportation, working with counties and municipalities along the Interstate 285 corridor, will hold public meetings on Wednesday, Dec. 4 and Thursday, Dec. 5, to gather feedback on the preliminary plans for the I-285 Express Lanes Transit Study.

Officials said the meetings offer commuters and residents the chance to learn and share their opinions about proposed transit services along the northern arc of I-285, one of the busiest corridors in Georgia.

The I-285 Express Lanes Transit Study explores the potential to expand transit access using GDOT’s planned Express Lanes along the northern portion of I-285 between the H.E. Holmes and Indian Creek MARTA stations. According to officials, public input is needed to refine these plans, which seek to offer reliable and flexible transit options.

GDOT’s I-285 Top End Express Lanes project will add two new, barrier-separated express lanes in each direction along I-285, running parallel to the existing general-purpose lanes. Georgia’s Express Lanes allow drivers to bypass traffic congestion for a fee, offering more reliable travel times. Transit services can use all Georgia Express Lanes without charge.

In addition to GDOT’s ongoing work with the I-285 Top End Express Lanes project, the I-285 Express Lanes Transit Study explores ways best to utilize the GDOT-funded Top End Express Lanes project to enhance transit access. This study will identify needed improvements, such as optimal ramp and station locations, and strategies for future funding and project implementation.