Drivers who use Georgia State Route 400 should prepare for some changes to their commute. A massive construction project aimed at reducing traffic congestion officially begins Monday, and it could take up to five years to complete.
State officials are launching a $4.6 billion project that will add two express toll lanes in each direction along the busy corridor. The expansion will stretch from MARTA North Springs Station in north Fulton County all the way to McFarland Parkway in Forsyth County.
What Drivers Can Expect
Construction will begin with lane closures starting this week, and drivers could feel the impact almost immediately. The full project timeline is expected to stretch about five years, meaning commuters may experience traffic disruptions for quite some time.
While some drivers are already concerned about how construction could affect their daily commute, transportation officials say the new express lanes are designed to ease congestion and improve travel times. According to project planners, the additional lanes could reduce delays by more than 19,000 hours per day across the corridor, which translates to about 15 minutes saved for the average driver.
Officials also estimate the improvements could reduce crashes by roughly 8% along the corridor.
Despite the potential benefits, some commuters are skeptical about whether toll lanes will truly solve the congestion problem. Others believe the extra lanes should be available to all drivers instead of requiring tolls.
For now, drivers traveling along Georgia 400 should expect periodic lane closures, construction zones, and potential delays as the project gets underway.
If everything stays on schedule, the expanded corridor is expected to be completed within the next five years, with hopes that the added express lanes will finally provide some relief to one of metro Atlanta’s busiest highways.
Until then, pack your patience and give yourself extra time to get to and from your destinations when commuting along Georgia 400.