State and federal transportation leaders joined Wednesday, April 22 to celebrate the ceremonial start of construction on the SR 400 Express Lanes, a transformative regional mobility project and the largest transportation infrastructure investment in Georgia’s history. Major construction activities are underway in Fulton and Forsyth counties, marking an important milestone in delivering new travel options for drivers and transit riders along one of metro Atlanta’s busiest corridors.

The project is being delivered through a Public-Private Partnership (P3) between the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT), the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA), and SR 400 Peach Partners, LLC. Under the agreement, the developer will design, build, finance, operate and maintain the lanes over a 55-year term. This approach allows Georgia to leverage private-sector expertise and investment to accelerate construction, reduce long-term costs and bring innovative transportation solutions to the region.

“Breaking ground on the SR 400 Express Lanes project — the largest public-private partnership of its kind in the country — marks a historic milestone for Georgia and showcases the power of innovations that deliver results,” said Governor Brian P. Kemp. “This groundbreaking is just the latest example of Georgia’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that supports job creation, strengthens our economy, and keeps us the No. 1 state for business." 

A major component of the partnership is a $3.89 billion federal loan provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program to SR 400 Peach Partners, the largest loan ever awarded to a single borrower. The financing supports construction and helps minimize the required use of state funds. Federal leaders noted that the project shows how modern tools and partnerships can reduce construction timelines and enhance safety while giving states more flexibility to meet long-term mobility needs.

"Today’s groundbreaking on the SR 400 Express Lanes demonstrates how the Trump Administration is leveraging every tool in our toolbox, including a record-breaking $3.89 billion TIFIA loan, to Get America Building Again,” said FHWA Administrator Sean McMaster. “Through the Department's 'Freedom to Drive' initiative, we aim to build on this success nationwide, proving that federal, state, and private resources can work hand-in-hand to build a faster and more reliable transportation system.”

With construction now underway, the SR 400 Express Lanes will become a cornerstone of the Georgia Express Lanes network — improving reliability, strengthening regional connectivity, supporting economic growth and providing expanded transit options for decades to come.

Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry, P.E., expressed pride for the years of work to achieve this critical milestone reflecting close coordination and ongoing collaboration between Georgia DOT, SRTA, USDOT, and SR 400 Peach Partners.

“This innovative P3 approach demonstrates the value of working together with private partners and private capital to deliver landmark projects,” McMurry said. “Providing travelers options to bypass congestion along this vital corridor has been a statewide priority and part of our state’s long-term managed lane system plan. Achieving these milestones underscores our team’s resolve and SR 400 Peach Partners’ shared vision to improve mobility for both cars and transit, and support metro Atlanta’s future economic vitality.”

SR 400 Peach Partners CEO Javier Gutierrez celebrated the next phase of the monumental project due to open by 2031.

“As the largest transportation investment of its kind in Georgia, breaking ground on the SR 400 Express Lanes marks a defining moment for mobility in our state,” Gutierrez said. “Through this partnership, we are delivering critical infrastructure while creating a more reliable, connected corridor that will drive regional growth, strengthen economic vitality, and help keep metro Atlanta moving forward.”

What this means for drivers: reliable travel and more choices
When complete, the SR 400 Express Lanes will add new, optional dynamically priced express lanes in both directions along a 16-mile stretch between the North Springs MARTA Station and north of McFarland Parkway. These express lanes are designed to offer more reliable travel times and keep traffic moving up to 30 percent faster than the general-purpose lanes.

Digital signs will display real-time toll rates so drivers can choose the travel option that best fits their needs, while all existing general-purpose lanes remain free. Drivers can use their Peach Pass (or other approved transponders) to access the SR 400 express lanes, similar to other express lanes already in operation across Georgia.

The success of existing Express Lanes corridors also shows benefits for general-purpose lane users during the morning and afternoon peak periods.

Strengthening regional mobility and expanding transit
The SR 400 corridor is a critical north–south route serving some of Georgia’s fastest-growing communities. In addition to improving reliability for drivers, the project advances transit in metro Atlanta through dedicated, toll-free access for MARTA’s future bus rapid transit (BRT) service. Planned BRT stations include Holcomb Bridge Road, North Point Mall and the Windward Park & Ride.

The SR 400 Express Lanes will be part of the larger Georgia Express Lanes Network, connecting more communities across the region and helping motorists and transit riders enjoy more reliable and predictable trip times.

Construction underway through 2031
Drivers will begin to see equipment mobilization, work-zone installation and phased traffic shifts as construction begins. Work will occur during the day and overnight, with nighttime activities typically scheduled from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. to help reduce daytime traffic impacts. Full construction is expected to continue through 2031.

Motorists are encouraged to stay alert in work zones and use Georgia 511 as well as the project website for travel updates, weekly construction alerts and monthly news.