I-285/Ga. 400 interchange project funding plan approved

ATLANTA - Gov. Nathan Deal says the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved the Atlanta Transportation Improvement Plan, which includes funding for I-285/Ga. 400 interchange project. The FHWA determined the plan met federal air quality regulations - the final hurdle in moving the project forward and delivering congestion relief to the more than 400,000 motorists.<br /> <br /> The improvements include the construction of new flyover ramps, new collector-distributor lanes and other facilities to aid east-west travel on along I-285 and north-south travel along Ga. 400. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) estimates the design-build cost to be $1.06 billion. This past May, the governor and GDOT board members approved the sale of $130 million in previously authorized bonds and the use of $81.5 million in accrued state motor fuel funds to accelerate the project. To complete the funding of the improvements, GDOT will utilize a public-private partnership model.<br /> <br /> "This project is a top priority for metro Atlanta, as interchange improvements will alleviate congestion, create jobs and grow businesses," said GDOT Commissioner Keith Golden. "We now have the go-ahead to move forward with these improvements, and we're excited about that. Once complete, this interchange will become a key asset to our transportation infrastructure, helping move people and goods more efficiently."