Deal: Toll lanes at capacity, working as intended

ATLANTA - State officials say controversial toll lanes in metro Atlanta are now at capacity during rush hours after several months of trying to convince drivers to use them.

The new toll lanes on Interstate 85 in parts of Gwinnett and DeKalb counties prompted criticism from some motorists, who said they faced more congestion because drivers weren't paying to use the toll lanes.

Gov. Nathan Deal said this week the system appears to be working, and the lanes are now achieving what they were intended to do.

Malika Reed Wilkins, a spokeswoman for the State Road and Tollway Authority, said use has increased steadily in recent weeks.

Although usage has increased as state officials hoped, Deal said he would continue seeking solutions for congestion.