I-285 Express Lanes Project Moves Forward

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- The State Transportation Board has approved the sale of Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle bonds to fund early acquisition of right of way needed for the Revive 285 project.

GARVEE bonds are repaid primarily with future federal transportation funds, the Georgia Department of Transportation said.

The Revive 285 project consists of roughly 12 miles of two new express lanes along both sides of Interstate 285 from Interstate 75 in Cobb County to Interstate 85 in DeKalb County. Along with new express lanes in each direction, the project calls for improvements to the I-85 and I-75 interchanges with I-285 as well as collector/distributor lanes.

GDOT, State Road and Tollway Authority and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, are working together with the Federal Highway Administration and the Atlanta Regional Commission to bring mobility improvements to this heavily congested route in the metro Atlanta area.

Revive 285 is part of an overall major mobility program undertaken by the Georgia DOT.

• RELATED: State Breaks Ground On GA-400, I-285 Reconstruction Project

“I am pleased with the cooperation and cohesiveness among the state agencies involved in the planning of the Revive 285 Project,” said Gov. Nathan Deal. “Investments in transportation require innovative financing methods such as GARVEE bonds to effectively address traffic congestion while maintaining Georgia’s exceptional credit rating. Today, our credit rating continues to be a top priority for Georgia to remain the No. 1 state in which to do business, as our strong rating enhances opportunities to use bonds to fund these important infrastructure projects.”

The project is anticipated to require the purchase of more than 300 parcels of property along I-285. The use of proceeds from the sale of GARVEE bonds allows procurement to be accelerated for many of the larger and more complex parcels; it also reduces the risk of budget impacts caused by escalating property values, GDOT stipulates.

Additionally, the early attainment of property helps to protect from new developments that might conflict with the improvements. Preliminary engineering work is currently being performed, including environmental analysis, initial design and assessment of alternatives.

“Undertaking a complex project like Revive 285 requires us to think innovatively," GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry added. "Georgia DOT will ultimately utilize a design-build-finance-procurement to advance the project. This public-private approach allows for private sector innovation and finance of the project, and will accelerate its implementation over traditional methods. The use of GARVEE bonds to fund right of way acquisition concurrently with project development reduces risk and potential cost increases."

Hundreds of thousands of vehicles travel through this corridor each day, and vehicles traveling on I-75, I-85 and S.R. 400 all have the opportunity to directly connect with I-285, making it one of Georgia’s most congested routes.

The Revive 285 project seeks to better manage and improve travel conditions, to provide more reliable options for the public and to enhance safety along the route. The design-build-finance contractor selection is forecast in late 2022.

For more information on the Revive 285 project, the Major Mobility Improvement Program and projects made possible through the Transportation Funding Act, visit GDOT's website.

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