GEORGIA DOT AWARDS HOT LANES CONVERSION PROJECT TO LOCAL CONTRACTOR
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation has awarded more than $31.3 million for 16 construction projects across the state, including $11.7 million for the conversion of 16 miles of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes to high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes in Gwinnett and DeKalb counties.
The HOV to HOT project was awarded to World Fiber Technologies, Inc., of Alpharetta, for $11,721,523. The I-85 Express Lanes project will install 18 miles of fiber and signage along Interstate Highway 85 between Chamblee Tucker Road and Old Peachtree Road and along State Route 316 between its intersection with I-85 and Riverside Parkway. When completed a year from now, the HOT lanes will offer more choices to all motorists, including single occupant vehicles and more reliable trip times in the corridor. Transit buses, motorcycles, alternative fueled vehicles and vehicles with three or more passengers will be allowed to use the inside (left) HOT lane for free, while single- and double-occupant vehicles will be allowed to use the lane if they choose to pay a variably priced toll.
“All of these projects, especially the HOV to HOT conversion and the two bridges, are representative of Georgia DOT’s determination to find ways to enhance mobility and always, always maintain safety, even though our budget continues to shrink. As we finalize construction plans with the contractor we will send you those details. Right now we expect construction to begin in the next four to six weeks,” Georgia Transportation Commissioner Vance C. Smith, Jr., commented.
Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about these or any other construction project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.
The November 2 general election ballot will include a proposed constitutional amendment to allow the Georgia Department of Transportation to enter into multiyear construction agreements to reduce long-term construction costs paid by the state. This measure would not add any new taxes; it would allow better use of funds currently collected. It would help Georgia DOT bridge its current funding gap and allow it to continue to utilize every available state motor fuel dollar to improve, maintain and grow Georgia’s transportation system. To learn more about SR 821, please visit: http://www.dot.ga.gov/informationcenter/publicinformation/Pages/SR821.aspx.
