What are express lanes?

Express lanes are designed to offer drivers a choice to bypass traffic congestion and provide more reliable trip times. Motorists using the express lanes pay to use the lanes and transit riders and state registered vanpools can utilize the express lanes at no additional cost.

Who will be able to use the GA 400 Express Lanes?

All drivers with two axles and six wheels or less will be able to use the express lanes if they register and obtain a Peach Pass. Freight vehicles and trailers are not allowed.  Regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle, motorists who wish to access the GA 400 Express Lanes will be required to pay a fee; however, transit vehicles, registered vanpools, and emergency vehicles are exempt from paying a fee.

How will motorists use the express lanes?

These newly constructed lanes are optional and will be managed by dynamic pricing, with the costs to access the lanes rising as demand increases during peak hours and decreases non-peak hours.  The cost to access the lanes will be clearly displayed on electronic overhead signs so drivers will know the trip cost prior to entering the lanes.

Where will motorists be able to access the GA 400 Express Lanes?

Access points from the general purpose lanes to the proposed SR 400 Express Lanes are currently being evaluated.

Will the project improve congestion?

GDOT’s projections indicate the project will reduce delay by 19,000+ hours each day in the SR 400 corridor by 2030, saving precious minutes off of your commute.  This project will also provide more reliable trip times and free access for transit and vanpools riders.

How will toll rates be determined?

To maintain a flow of traffic, toll rates will be set in real time depending on the level of congestion in the lanes.  The State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA), who manages the pricing on the operational express lanes, has a minimum toll of 10 cents a mile on all Georgia Express Lanes.  During periods of very low demand, a minimum toll of 50 cents per trip, regardless of trip length, will be applied.  The uniform pricing across all Georgia Express Lanes allows for greater customer ease and a consistent customer experiences.

What is the schedule for the project?

The project is currently in the planning and environmental phase.  GDOT has construction scheduled to begin in 2021 and anticipates the GA 400 Express Lanes to open to traffic in 2024.