Promising traffic relief for commuter on Georgia 400 (SR 400), Gov. Nathan Deal Tuesday announced $100 million in General Obligation bonds for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure, part of the SR 400 Express Lanes project.
According to the governor, the investment by the state is the result of a partnership with Fulton County and MARTA to construct four bus-only interchanges along a 16-mile stretch of SR 400. The lanes would extend from I-285 to McFarland Parkway.
The upcoming $1.8 billion SR 400 Express Lanes project will widen the highway, reduce congestion and accommodate the new BRT interchanges. The SR 400 Express Lanes project is projected to reduce delays by 18 percent in the SR 400 corridor by 2030, for a total of more than 19,000 hours each day or time savings of 20 to 25 minutes per user.
This project was made possible by the passage of HB 930, the law creating the Atlanta-region Transit Link Authority (the ATL).
“We continue to make investments to ensure that our modes of transit and mobility are worthy of the No. 1 state for business and the best place for opportunity,” said Deal. “I allotted $100 million in bonds in the FY 2019 budget to demonstrate the state’s commitment to addressing mobility needs through strategic investments in transit infrastructure. This visionary project will enhance the plans for SR 400, one of our state’s most vital corridors for commuters, jobs and freight. In 2015, I allotted $75 million to fund transit needs statewide, and this latest investment will further move the needle to decrease congestion and improve Georgia’s transportation network.
According to press information released following the press conference:
- This $100 million in bonds will be used by GDOT to plan and purchase property for BRT interchanges on the SR 400 Express Lanes route, which will help accommodate the growing transit needs in the corridor
- MARTA and Fulton County will invest in BRT infrastructure and operations, pending approval of a Fulton County referendum.
- GDOT is currently in the discovery phase of selecting locations for BRT interchanges. Right of Way acquisition will begin in FY 2019/2020 and the procurement process to select a contractor will begin in mid-2020.
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, House Speaker David Ralston, State Road and Tollway officials and other dignitaries joined Deal for the press conference at the State Capitol.
