The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) joined several partner organizations to sign last week an agreement over multimodal solutions for I-285.
The agreement, the I-285 Top End Express Lanes Transit Funding and Collaboration Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), would provide a multimodal solution for creating regional connectivity. The agreement included the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL), the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), and four metro Atlanta counties.
“Georgia DOT is proud to unite with these important partners to truly advance multimodal solutions along I-285 with this ambitious plan,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell McMurry. “Transit along the I-285 corridor has to be part of our solution. This significant and historic opportunity for our region enables this crucial mobility expansion, and Georgia DOT is eager to be part of the process.”
The I-285 Express Lanes, part of Georgia DOT’s Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP) projects, will add two barrier-separated lanes along the top of I-285 from I-20 on the west to I-20 on the east. Additionally, transit and vanpools will have free access providing an opportunity to advance Express Lanes Transit (ELT).
ATLANTA, GA – Today, the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) joined the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL), the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), and four metro Atlanta counties in the most significant partnership agreement in decades. With the signing of the I-285 Top End Express Lanes Transit Funding and Collaboration Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), multimodal solutions along I-285 will be advanced, creating regional connectivity that will have positive economic development benefits.
The I-285 Express Lanes, part of Georgia DOT’s Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP) projects, will add two new barrier-separated lanes along the top end of I-285 in both directions from I-20 on the west to I-20 on the east. In addition, transit services and vanpools will have free access creating a significant opportunity to advance Express Lanes Transit (ELT).
Incorporating ELT into the department’s I-285 Express Lanes has been a goal of the cities and communities along the northern segment of I-285. Officials said nearly a quarter of a million cars travel the area every weekday. The express lanes are expected to reduce congestion in the region for motorists while increasing on-time transit performance and accessibility.