The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) will host a virtual Public Information Open House from Jan. 8 to Feb. 22 for the proposed I-285 Westside Express Lanes Project (PI# 0013917). The purpose of this virtual open house is to allow the public to review the project, ask questions and provide comments.

Georgia DOT is hosting the online platform in accordance with social distancing practices. The online platform includes interactive meeting rooms with displays, videos and other materials found at traditional in-person public meetings. Project materials can be accessed beginning Jan. 8 at https://majormobilityga.com/projects/westside/. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted Georgia DOT to leverage a number of virtual tools to deliver important project information to the public,” said Tim Matthews, P.E., program manager for the Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP), which encompasses large-scale infrastructure projects throughout Georgia. “In the interest of public health and safety, the public is encouraged to visit the informational website, provide feedback, and ask questions during a virtual event.”

Georgia DOT will host a virtual presentation and Q&A session with project team members from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11. Interested parties may join the virtual event by visiting https://majormobilityga.com/projects/westside/. 

This project proposes to construct express lanes (one in each direction) on an approximately 6.5-mile section of I-285 between Paces Ferry Road in Cobb County and Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway (just north of I-20) in Fulton County. The optional, buffer-separated express lanes – part of the larger Georgia Express Lanes network – would enhance mobility and travel-time reliability, increase travel options for motorists and transit users, and improve safety.

In addition to information about the I-285 Westside Express Lanes, online and print materials will include details about two I-285 Advanced Improvement Projects (AIPs). These projects include bridge widenings and replacements near Atlanta Road, South Cobb Drive, Bolton Road and Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway. The project also proposes to replace the existing bridge over Orchard Road and seeks comments on the planned detour route.

Project information can be found in the Document Library on the I-285 Westside Express Lanes project website at https://majormobilityga.com/projects/westside/. To view project materials in print form, visit the State Location Bureau (3993 Aviation Circle, Atlanta, GA 30336) or the Georgia DOT District 7 Office (5025 New Peachtree Road, Chamblee, GA 30341).

Comments about the I-285 Westside Express Lanes and I-285 AIPs must be submitted by Feb. 22.

Major Mobility Investment Program
The Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP) includes large-scale state and federally funded projects that are dedicated to improving roads and bridges. Together, these projects will create additional capacity, improve the movement of freight, provide operational improvements and efficiencies, enhance safety, and decrease travel times across Georgia. Many of the projects support regional transit providers and enhance existing and future transit operations. More information about the MMIP, updated projects and delivery schedules, and benefits of the program can be found at www.majormobilityga.com.

Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs, and maintains Georgia’s state and federal highways. We’re involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike, and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability, and mobility. The Department’s vision is to boost Georgia’s competitiveness through leadership in transportation. Visit www.dot.ga.gov.