Georgia

[afguy]

I found some more detailed information on the mobility projects GDOT is planning...
I-285/I-20 East Interchange
A routine source of peak period delays, this critical
juncture between two heavily congested interstates in
DeKalb County requires operational and geometry
improvements to address the inefficient flow of traffic, and
safety/operational performance. To address these needs,
various improvements would be developed and constructed
to enhance the overall operation, safety and efficient flow
characteristics of the interchange.
The interchange project would include operational
improvements to the directional ramps including
reconstruction of the I-20 eastbound to I-285 southbound
ramp and the I-285 southbound to I-20 westbound ramp.
In addition to the reconstruction of the interchange,
the project may include:
- One westbound auxiliary lane from Panola Road to
Wesley Chapel Road and the construction of
westbound Collector-Distributor (CD) lanes between
Wesley Chapel Road and the I-20/I-285 interchange.
- A westbound auxiliary lane between Lithonia Industrial
Boulevard and Panola Road.
- Reconstruction of the Miller Road Overpass Bridge to
accommodate the westbound auxiliary lane.
- I-20 eastbound improvements to include construction
of one eastbound auxiliary lane from Panola Road to
Lithonia Industrial Boulevard.
- Reconstruction of the Fairington Road/DeKalb Medical
Parkway Overpass Bridge to accommodate the
eastbound auxiliary lane.
The proposed interchange may include Express Lane
connections in the future.
Estimated Costs*: $534 Million (does not include costs
associated with Express Lane connections)

I-285/I-20 West Interchange
The interchange project would consist of lane widening and operational improvements
on I-20 eastbound and westbound to improve the existing lane balance on sections
between Thornton Road and the I-285 Interchange. The project will include:
- Additional lane along I-20 eastbound from Factory Shoals Road Bridge to Six
Flags Parkway.
- Widening of I-20 eastbound to five lanes from Six Flags Parkway to I-285 southbound.
- Additional lane from the I-20 eastbound to I-285 southbound ramp to I-20
eastbound to I-285 northbound ramp exit to provide a separate exit lane for
the I-285 northbound traffic flow, thus requiring the widening of the existing
I-20 bridge.
- A Collector-Distributor system (CD) is proposed between the I-285 Interchange and
Fulton Industrial Boulevard westbound on I-20.
- Reconfiguration of the four existing left-hand exits to right-hand exits with new
alignments and bridges as appropriate. It is anticipated the existing left-hand exits
would be utilized for managed lane connections between I-285 and I-20.
The proposed interchange may include Express Lane connections in the future.
Estimated Costs*: $910 Million (does not include costs associated with Express
Lane connections)

I-285 West Wall Express Lanes, I-20 to I-75
The project would consist of :
- Creating one Express Lane in each direction along I-285 between I-20 and I-75.
- Existing lanes would be maintained and a new 12' outside lane would be constructed.
- The Express Lane would be separated from the general purpose lanes through the
use of delineators and pavement striping.
- Access to the Express Lane would be provided with the use of direct access ramps
connecting to the surrounding arterial system and slip ramp access to adjacent
general purpose lanes.
Estimated Costs*: $743 Million

I-285 East Wall Express Lanes, I-85 to I-20
The project would consist of:
- Creating one Express Lane in each direction along I-285 between I-20 and I-85.
- Existing lanes would be maintained and a new 12' outside lane would be constructed.
- Express Lane would be separated from the general purpose lanes through the use
of delineators and pavement striping.
- Access to the managed lane would be provided with the use of direct access ramps
connecting to the surrounding arterial system and slip ramp access to adjacent
general purpose lanes.
Estimated Costs*: $659 Million

Revive 285, Express Lanes from I-75 to I-85
The project would consist of the construction of two Express Lanes in each direction, on the
outside of the existing general purpose travel lanes, with operational improvements and
Collector-Distributor (CD) systems at various locations along I-285. Specific operational and
CD system improvements currently being considered for the project include:
- One I-285 westbound auxiliary lane between Roswell Road and Riverside Drive.
- I-75 North/I-285 interchange improvements.
- I-85 North/I-285 interchange improvements.
- I-285 CD lanes from Ashford-Dunwoody Road to SR 141/Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.
- I-285 CD lanes from US 23/Buford Highway to I-85.
- The Express Lanes will directly connect to Express Lanes on I-75, I-85 and SR 400.
Estimated Costs*: $5.9 Billion

I-16/95 Interchange & Widening I-16: I-95 to I-516
(2 Separate Projects)
These projects would reconstruct the existing I-16 at I-95 interchange in
Chatham County. Proposed improvements include:
- Construction of new fly overs and extension of ramps.
- One additional general-purpose lane along I-16 between I-95 and I-516.
- The new lanes would be constructed by widening to the existing inside,
grassed median.
Estimated Costs*: $244 Million

I-75 Truck Lanes: McDonough to Macon
This interstate highway serves as an important freight and motorist corridor that supports
critical coastal port truck traffic and travelers from southern Georgia and Florida. While
truck and passenger car traffic are generally compatible, as the percentage of truck traffic
continues to grow, the increase in truck volume can and will accentuate operational
differences, leading to less efficient traffic streams and increased delays. For example,
compared to cars, trucks cannot accelerate as quickly on long grades. The corridor has
an important evolving need to ensure mobility for all its users and especially to maintain
Georgia's competitiveness in the movement of goods. By using the Express Lane concept,
and providing a dedicated system of lanes separated from existing general purpose lanes,
mobility is enhanced for both traffic streams. Project would include:
- Addition of two designated, separated truck lanes in the northbound direction along
I-75 from McDonough to I-475 in Macon.
- The truck lanes would be barrier-separated from the general purpose lanes
along I-75.
- The truck lanes will not be tolled.
- The final northern limits will be determined once additional environmental and
traffic studies are conducted.
Estimated Costs*: $2.06 Billion

SR 400 Express Lanes: I-285 to McFarland Road
SR 400 is one of the most congested facilities in metro Atlanta. The addition of Express
Lanes to this corridor will provide additional reliable capacity from I-285 to McFarland
Road. The proposed Express Lanes will be constructed to the inside of the general
purpose lanes and will directly connect to the Revive 285 project. This mobility
enhancing project would consist of:
- Two Express Lanes in each direction along SR 400 between I-285N and McGinnis
Ferry Road.
- One Express Lane in each direction from McGinnis Ferry Road to McFarland Road.
Intermediate access points will be determined as additional coordination,
environmental documentation and design activities are completed on the corridor.
Estimated Costs*: $2.4 Billion

I-85 North Widening: Hamilton Mill to SR 211
This project would consist of:
- Widening I-85 from Hamilton Mill Road to SR 211 and addition of one general
purpose lane in each direction.
- The length of widening is approximately 6.2 miles within Gwinnett and
Barrow counties.
- The project also proposes a striping modification of the 14' Express Lanes buffer
to accommodate the third general purpose lane between I-985 to Hamilton
Mill Road.
Estimated Costs*: $261 Million

I-85 North Widening: SR 211 to US 129
This project would consist of:
- Widening I-85 from SR 211 to US 129
- One additional general purpose lane in each direction. The length of widening is
approximately 10.5 miles within Barrow and Jackson counties.
Estimated Costs*: $344 Million

[xcellntbuy]

Wonderful information.  Thank you.

[Georgia]

yep, thanks afguy, that west 285/20 interchange is getting exactly what it needs to be improved significantly.

[Tom958]

Thanks, afguy, for the info. I feel like saying something substantive, but I haven't made it past the  stage as yet.

[afguy]

Thanks! Here's a link to the pdf with the information posted above...
http://www.dot.ga.gov/InvestSmart/TransportationFundingAct/Documents/Forecast/MajorMobilityInvestments-V3.pdf

[D-Dey65]

Construction is likely slow because of the failed T-SPLOSTs in addition to the tight highway money; big projects that would have started if the T-SPLOSTs had passed (like the I-16/I-75 interchange in Macon) got pushed back in favor of relative small-ball work like roundabouts and signal projects, after already being pushed back to make the T-SPLOSTs more attractive to voters. In the areas where T-SPLOSTs passed, though, some decent-sized projects are already well underway (the US 23 north Eastman bypass, for example).

Was that ever finished? Because I'm working on a US 23 in Georgia article for Wikipedia, and I only see the construction of that bypass from above on Google Maps. On street view there's no sign of the construction whatsoever.

[afguy]

The Eastman Bypass opened in November.
http://bleckleydodgepulaski.13wmaz.com/news/news/323142-georgia-dot-announces-opening-northwest-eastman-bypass

[lordsutch]

GDOT to build another death circle roundabout in North Bibb County on US 23. The press release is wrong; it omits several other roundabouts in the county that have already been built and at least two more that appear to be further along than the traffic engineering study phase.

[D-Dey65]

GDOT to build another death circle roundabout in North Bibb County on US 23. The press release is wrong; it omits several other roundabouts in the county that have already been built and at least two more that appear to be further along than the traffic engineering study phase.

That's way too close to I-75. I also saw a Google Street View scan with signs for a proposed traffic circle with GA 18.

[afguy]

The ARC just approved an $85 Billion long range transportation plan for Metro Atlanta. The highlights include adding toll lanes to I-20 on the east and west sides, widening existing roads and adding 13 new interchanges.

Projects listed in the plan include the expansion of the network of managed toll lanes on area highways (I-75, I-575, Ga. 400, I-285 topside, I-20, I-85). Expansion of that network, which is estimated at $7 billion for projects not yet under construction, promises better commutes for people who ride transit, carpool or pay a toll, ARC says.

The plan incorporates all ARC planning areas: transportation, community development, natural resources, workforce development and aging & health services.
ARC developed the plan based on more than 22,000 interactions with people via online, phone and face-to-face meetings, the organization says.
"This plan outlines the steps needed for metro Atlanta to remain a vibrant, dynamic region, with a high quality of life and a thriving economy,"  said ARC Board Chair Kerry Armstrong. "It will help improve mobility, create more walkable communities, ensure we have a clean, abundant water supply and meet the needs of our region's fast-growing population of older adults."

ARC forecasts that over the next 25 years, the Atlanta region's population will grow by 2.5 million — the equivalent of adding all of today's metro Charlotte. The Atlanta Region's Plan takes this growth into account, programming funding for new transportation options and encouraging the development of walkable, mixed-use centers and corridors that provide better access to jobs and services, the agency says.
The ARC says that two-thirds of $85.1 billion investment in the region's transportation will be needed to maintain existing infrastructure, such as paving roads and repairing bridges, while $28 billion will be spent to expand the region's transportation network.
Expenditures through 2040 include (in addition to the expansion of the managed toll lanes network):
Widening and improving major arterial roads. Cost: $5.8 billion
Highway interchange improvements— 13 new interchanges and 22 major upgrades. Cost: $3.1 billion
Potential transit expansion projects(Clayton County, Ga. 400, I-20 East, Clifton Corridor, Connect Cobb, Atlanta BeltLine/Streetcar). Cost: $11.9 billion

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/morning_call/2016/02/more-toll-roads-wider-major-roads-in-long-range.html

[lordsutch]

That's way too close to I-75. I also saw a Google Street View scan with signs for a proposed traffic circle with GA 18.

I'm not sure what makes it "way too close" to I-75. The traffic counts plummet once you get past the shopping center south of New Forsyth Road. And it beats an all-way stop, which is probably what GDOT would install as the alternative in this case.

I believe the US 23/GA 18 roundabout (replacing an all-way stop) is currently under construction (it was let several months ago) although I haven't been up there to see in a while.

[D-Dey65]

I'm not sure what makes it "way too close" to I-75.

Well, you've got one of the prime interstate highways in the country that has an interchange with a major strip in the Macon area. Just imagine if the Long Island Expressway and Jericho Turnpike ran right next to each other before the Jericho ran under it, or the New York State Thruway was directly next to NY 59.

Or here's a better idea; You're driving with a fifth-wheeler north on I-75, and you want to get off at US 23 because you want to see maybe some old plantation, or some historic site, or whatever. Not even 1.2 miles and you have to swerve around some traffic circle, and hope you don't hit anyone else along the way?

The traffic counts plummet once you get past the shopping center south of New Forsyth Road.

I know the road narrows down to two lanes there, but that's kind of a surprise, especially with all the overcrowded two-lane sections I've seen on "the Goog."

And it beats an all-way stop, which is probably what GDOT would install as the alternative in this case.

That would've been rotten. I would've thought they'd add a traffic signal instead.

[xcellntbuy]

There is now a small traffic circle at GA 212 and GA 36.

[afguy]

Personally, I have to agree with him. The older beige metal sound walls are not attractive at all. It also doesn't help that most of the expressway lights are out in the city. GDOT needs be like TxDOT or FDOT are include aesthetics in the design of new or widened highways.

fter thanking a number of professionals with whom he has worked during his career, Ventulett made a personal plea — showing why he was deserving of the Visionary Award.
"I just want to make a plea to this powerful group,"  Ventulett said. "Our expressway system is ugly, and it's getting uglier. It's something we need to watch. Let's do something to give a better image of the city."
In particular, Ventulett mentioned the unattractive sound barriers that exist along the borders of several of our city's interstates.
Ventulett then talked about a recent trip to Europe where he saw sound barriers in Switzerland and France where there were openings in retaining walls where people had planted flowers and ivy. That softened the barriers and made for a much more pleasant travel experience.

In some cases, glass elements were added to blend the walls with the horizon and the natural elements of the environment.
"Somebody is thinking (in France and Switzerland),"  Ventulett said. "Nobody (here) is thinking about what we are putting up. The interchange of 400 and I-285 is really ugly."
And then Ventulett ended up sharing a comment that could be applied to just about any part of our built environment.
"If you are going to build it, make it beautiful,"  Ventulett said. "But for God's sake, if it's ugly — don't build it."
Spoken like a visionary architect.

Architect Tom Ventulett honored for his vision - SaportaReport

[The Ghostbuster]

It seems like a lot of people believe the United States should be a lot more like Europe.

[afguy]

A public meeting will be held Tuesday to discuss the proposed interchange 14 project on I-985...
http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/115532/

[afguy]

More lights could be coming to I-75 in Cobb County.The City of Marietta is seeking other cities in Cobb to join for its push for more lights along I-75. IMO, lights are needed along I-75 from the Chattahoochee to at least Exit 271.

Marietta City Council members voted Wednesday to reach out to the other cities to see if there is interest in going in together in an effort to get lighting installed, reports Marietta Daily Journal.Marietta worked in 1989 with the Georgia Department of Transportation to get lighting installed on I-75 within city limits (about a nine-mile loop), a Marietta spokesperson told the MDJ.
GDOT installed the lighting and paid for maintenance, and the city paid to keep them lighted, the spokesperson said.
The lights were turn off in 2014 after copper lighting was stolen and the lighting were deemed a fire hazard, the paper adds.

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/morning_call/2016/03/more-lights-could-be-coming-to-stretch-of-i-75-in.html

[xcellntbuy]

Could Georgia DOT fix the ones that are "out" first?

[afguy]

HB 170 is really starting to pay dividends for Georgia. In Hall County over $120 million in road work could start this year.

   
Work is nearly done on the Friendship Road widening in South Hall County, but that doesn't mean the orange construction barrels are leaving Hall.

Area motorists could start to see work begin later this year on three major projects: Athens Highway widening in East Hall; replacement of the Dawsonville Highway bridge over the Chestatee River arm of Lake Lanier in West Hall; and Atlanta Highway widening between Buford and Lanier Islands Parkway in South Hall.

The earliest of those could be the Dawsonville Highway bridge, or Boling Bridge, a $23 million project. Construction bids could be opened March 18, officials said during a transportation forum Thursday at the University of North Georgia's Gainesville campus.

"These bridges are 60 years old,"  Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry said, referring to Lake Lanier bridges in general. "Good gosh, they're only designed to last about 50. They've done pretty good, but it's time to move on."

Also upcoming on the DOT's agenda for Hall is the $74 million planned widening of Athens Highway/U.S. 129 between Gillsville Highway/Ga. 323 and the Pendergrass Bypass.

Right of way on the long-awaited project is in hand, officials said, so the next step could be awarding it to a contractor this spring.

McMurry, a Hall County resident, also spoke to that project's need.

"That is a critical connection for freight mobility from Interstate 85 to Interstate 985,"  he said.

Another key improvement, particularly for South Hall travelers, is the $22 million widening of Atlanta Highway/Ga. 13 between Sawnee Drive in Buford to Lanier Islands Parkway/Ga. 347.

Work could start this fall on four-lane project through Rest Haven, a small incorporated area on the Hall-Gwinnett County line, DOT District Engineer Brent Cook said.

The road would intersect with another large DOT project that has been split into several phases – the eventual widening of Ga. 347 between Lanier Islands resort and Old Winder Highway/Ga. 211.

Work has been completed on Ga. 347 between McEver Road and I-985. Widening the road to four and six lanes between I-985 and Ga. 211 is set for completion in June.

http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/115617/

[SteveG1988]

New welcome signs.

[D-Dey65]

Earlier today, I was doing more research on Georgia U.S. Routes. This time it was US 17, and when I was checking out a Google map of the part of GA 25 that's not overlapped by US 17, I noticed an under construction section of the Jimmy DeLoach Parkway, that looks like it ultimately wants to connect to I-516.

[Gnutella]

I found some more detailed information on the mobility projects GDOT is planning...
I-285/I-20 East Interchange
A routine source of peak period delays, this critical
juncture between two heavily congested interstates in
DeKalb County requires operational and geometry
improvements to address the inefficient flow of traffic, and
safety/operational performance. To address these needs,
various improvements would be developed and constructed
to enhance the overall operation, safety and efficient flow
characteristics of the interchange.
The interchange project would include operational
improvements to the directional ramps including
reconstruction of the I-20 eastbound to I-285 southbound
ramp and the I-285 southbound to I-20 westbound ramp.
In addition to the reconstruction of the interchange,
the project may include:
- One westbound auxiliary lane from Panola Road to
Wesley Chapel Road and the construction of
westbound Collector-Distributor (CD) lanes between
Wesley Chapel Road and the I-20/I-285 interchange.
- A westbound auxiliary lane between Lithonia Industrial
Boulevard and Panola Road.
- Reconstruction of the Miller Road Overpass Bridge to
accommodate the westbound auxiliary lane.
- I-20 eastbound improvements to include construction
of one eastbound auxiliary lane from Panola Road to
Lithonia Industrial Boulevard.
- Reconstruction of the Fairington Road/DeKalb Medical
Parkway Overpass Bridge to accommodate the
eastbound auxiliary lane.
The proposed interchange may include Express Lane
connections in the future.
Estimated Costs*: $534 Million (does not include costs
associated with Express Lane connections)

I-285/I-20 West Interchange
The interchange project would consist of lane widening and operational improvements
on I-20 eastbound and westbound to improve the existing lane balance on sections
between Thornton Road and the I-285 Interchange. The project will include:
- Additional lane along I-20 eastbound from Factory Shoals Road Bridge to Six
Flags Parkway.
- Widening of I-20 eastbound to five lanes from Six Flags Parkway to I-285 southbound.
- Additional lane from the I-20 eastbound to I-285 southbound ramp to I-20
eastbound to I-285 northbound ramp exit to provide a separate exit lane for
the I-285 northbound traffic flow, thus requiring the widening of the existing
I-20 bridge.
- A Collector-Distributor system (CD) is proposed between the I-285 Interchange and
Fulton Industrial Boulevard westbound on I-20.
- Reconfiguration of the four existing left-hand exits to right-hand exits with new
alignments and bridges as appropriate. It is anticipated the existing left-hand exits
would be utilized for managed lane connections between I-285 and I-20.
The proposed interchange may include Express Lane connections in the future.
Estimated Costs*: $910 Million (does not include costs associated with Express
Lane connections)

I-285 West Wall Express Lanes, I-20 to I-75
The project would consist of :
- Creating one Express Lane in each direction along I-285 between I-20 and I-75.
- Existing lanes would be maintained and a new 12' outside lane would be constructed.
- The Express Lane would be separated from the general purpose lanes through the
use of delineators and pavement striping.
- Access to the Express Lane would be provided with the use of direct access ramps
connecting to the surrounding arterial system and slip ramp access to adjacent
general purpose lanes.
Estimated Costs*: $743 Million

I-285 East Wall Express Lanes, I-85 to I-20
The project would consist of:
- Creating one Express Lane in each direction along I-285 between I-20 and I-85.
- Existing lanes would be maintained and a new 12' outside lane would be constructed.
- Express Lane would be separated from the general purpose lanes through the use
of delineators and pavement striping.
- Access to the managed lane would be provided with the use of direct access ramps
connecting to the surrounding arterial system and slip ramp access to adjacent
general purpose lanes.
Estimated Costs*: $659 Million

Revive 285, Express Lanes from I-75 to I-85
The project would consist of the construction of two Express Lanes in each direction, on the
outside of the existing general purpose travel lanes, with operational improvements and
Collector-Distributor (CD) systems at various locations along I-285. Specific operational and
CD system improvements currently being considered for the project include:
- One I-285 westbound auxiliary lane between Roswell Road and Riverside Drive.
- I-75 North/I-285 interchange improvements.
- I-85 North/I-285 interchange improvements.
- I-285 CD lanes from Ashford-Dunwoody Road to SR 141/Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.
- I-285 CD lanes from US 23/Buford Highway to I-85.
- The Express Lanes will directly connect to Express Lanes on I-75, I-85 and SR 400.
Estimated Costs*: $5.9 Billion

I-16/95 Interchange & Widening I-16: I-95 to I-516
(2 Separate Projects)
These projects would reconstruct the existing I-16 at I-95 interchange in
Chatham County. Proposed improvements include:
- Construction of new fly overs and extension of ramps.
- One additional general-purpose lane along I-16 between I-95 and I-516.
- The new lanes would be constructed by widening to the existing inside,
grassed median.
Estimated Costs*: $244 Million

I-75 Truck Lanes: McDonough to Macon
This interstate highway serves as an important freight and motorist corridor that supports
critical coastal port truck traffic and travelers from southern Georgia and Florida. While
truck and passenger car traffic are generally compatible, as the percentage of truck traffic
continues to grow, the increase in truck volume can and will accentuate operational
differences, leading to less efficient traffic streams and increased delays. For example,
compared to cars, trucks cannot accelerate as quickly on long grades. The corridor has
an important evolving need to ensure mobility for all its users and especially to maintain
Georgia's competitiveness in the movement of goods. By using the Express Lane concept,
and providing a dedicated system of lanes separated from existing general purpose lanes,
mobility is enhanced for both traffic streams. Project would include:
- Addition of two designated, separated truck lanes in the northbound direction along
I-75 from McDonough to I-475 in Macon.
- The truck lanes would be barrier-separated from the general purpose lanes
along I-75.
- The truck lanes will not be tolled.
- The final northern limits will be determined once additional environmental and
traffic studies are conducted.
Estimated Costs*: $2.06 Billion

SR 400 Express Lanes: I-285 to McFarland Road
SR 400 is one of the most congested facilities in metro Atlanta. The addition of Express
Lanes to this corridor will provide additional reliable capacity from I-285 to McFarland
Road. The proposed Express Lanes will be constructed to the inside of the general
purpose lanes and will directly connect to the Revive 285 project. This mobility
enhancing project would consist of:
- Two Express Lanes in each direction along SR 400 between I-285N and McGinnis
Ferry Road.
- One Express Lane in each direction from McGinnis Ferry Road to McFarland Road.
Intermediate access points will be determined as additional coordination,
environmental documentation and design activities are completed on the corridor.
Estimated Costs*: $2.4 Billion

I-85 North Widening: Hamilton Mill to SR 211
This project would consist of:
- Widening I-85 from Hamilton Mill Road to SR 211 and addition of one general
purpose lane in each direction.
- The length of widening is approximately 6.2 miles within Gwinnett and
Barrow counties.
- The project also proposes a striping modification of the 14' Express Lanes buffer
to accommodate the third general purpose lane between I-985 to Hamilton
Mill Road.
Estimated Costs*: $261 Million

I-85 North Widening: SR 211 to US 129
This project would consist of:
- Widening I-85 from SR 211 to US 129
- One additional general purpose lane in each direction. The length of widening is
approximately 10.5 miles within Barrow and Jackson counties.
Estimated Costs*: $344 Million

Lots of improvements that I'm happy to see.

[afguy]

Excellent article on the truck-only lanes planned for I-75 between Atlanta and Macon..
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/transportation/truck-lanes-a-2-billion-gamble/nqtm2/?ref=cbTopWidget

[mvak36]

Excellent article on the truck-only lanes planned for I-75 between Atlanta and Macon..
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/transportation/truck-lanes-a-2-billion-gamble/nqtm2/?ref=cbTopWidget

It does bring up a good point (several, actually). But my question is, would they let the cars use the lanes if there is an accident that's blocking traffic on the regular car lanes?

[Eth]

I was up in Cobb County earlier today, where work on the I-75 express lanes continues apace. There's also been some ongoing sign replacement - of note, exit 260 southbound for Windy Hill Road is now also signed for SunTrust Park, which will open for the start of the Braves' season next year. Along with that is a new VMS in a style I don't believe I've seen in Georgia before, using slightly different, thicker lettering. I like it; it seems a little bit easier to read.