Construction underway on Gwinnett Co.'s HOT lanes

UNDATED - You might notice some changes this week on your commute through Gwinnett County.

Teri Pope with the Georgia Department of Transportation said construction began this week on Interstate 85's new express lanes.

Pope said crews are installing guardrails along the interstate entrance and exit ramps between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and overnight.

She said Tuesday's construction will take place on the southbound entrance ramp at Pleasant Hill Road. On Thursday, crews will work on the southbound exit ramp to Beaver Ruin Road and State Road 378. Pope said on Friday, crews will work on the southbound entrance ramp at Indian Trail.

The I-85 Express Lanes Project includes installation of 16 miles of fiber and signage along Interstate Highway 85 between Chamblee Tucker Road and Old Peachtree Road and along State Route 316 between I-85 and Riverside Parkway. This $11.7 million project was awarded to World Fiber Technologies, Inc., of Alpharetta.

When completed, registered transit buses, motorcycles, alternative fueled vehicles and vehicles with three or more passengers will be allowed to use the inside (left) High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lane for free, while single- and double-occupant vehicles will be allowed to use the lane if they choose to pay a variably priced toll.