Major road projects delayed as Georgia reshuffles schedule [View all]
Georgia officials have reshuffled their plans for major highway construction projects in metro Atlanta, delaying some work and allowing private companies to set tolls on some new lanes.
The timeline for new toll lanes on the Perimeter and Ga. 400 will be pushed back, though its not clear how long. So will a new I-285 interchange at I-20 west of Atlanta and truck lanes on I-75 between McDonough and Macon. Its the second time in recent years the Georgia Department of Transportation has shifted procurement schedules for the projects.
The state also plans to allow a private company to set toll rates and collect the revenue from the Ga. 400 lanes. It announced similar plans last summer for the Perimeter toll lanes.
GDOT officials say spreading the projects over a longer period will benefit taxpayers by encouraging more companies to compete for the work. And they say the new financing approach to the toll lanes will stretch tax dollars further by encouraging private investment in major highway projects.
Read more: https://www.ajc.com/politics/major-road-projects-delayed-as-georgia-reshuffles-schedule/R7KX7U7WEZHHTNJ6LCPTPPKEFY/