Spokeswoman Teri Pope said they opened the new lane about three hours earlier than expected.
"As of three o'clock this morning, we have HOV lanes all the way up to north of Old Peachtree Road, almost to Suwanee," said Pope.
There are over 17 miles of new HOV lane as part of the I-85/316 project, and Pope had some kind words for Georgia drivers who have been putting up with the DOT's progress.
"We want to thank everybody for your help and putting up with all of the lane closures, shifting of traffic, and ramp closures. The public and the drivers have been really great to hear what's going on and react to our plan."
The DOT hopes to be completely finished with the project by 6 A.M. Saturday. From 9 P.M. to 6 A.M. over the next three nights, weather permitting, they will be re-topping the northbound lane of I-85 in the area.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/10/214488