Georgia Department of Transportation

08/21/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/21/2026 10:41

SR 400 Express Lanes August 2026 Newsletter

S1

An important traffic change is coming to SR 400 southbound on August 29. Motorists traveling southbound to the North Springs MARTA Station, Abernathy Road, and Hammond Drive exit will use new temporary exit ramps that will serve as the designated southbound access points to these destinations during the first phase of construction. The two new temporary exit ramps will be located just south of the current Exit 5.

  • Temporary Exit 5B - North Springs MARTA Station: Located approximately 0.6 miles south of the current Exit 5 and designated for MARTA access.

  • Temporary Exit 5A - Abernathy Road and Hammond Drive: Located approximately 1.1 miles south of the current Exit 5 and providing access to Abernathy Road and Hammond Drive.

Access to all three destinations will remain available throughout construction. The primary change for motorists is the location of the southbound exits used to reach these destinations.

Motorists should slow down, follow posted signage, and allow extra travel time as they become familiar with the new traffic pattern.

S2

Segment A

Crews are preparing for upcoming traffic shifts and early roadway work. An upcoming major project milestone is the relocation of the current Exit 5 access and the opening of new temporary exits 5A and 5B on August 29 (Click here to learn more). Crews are also performing earthwork activities near Spalding Drive and Northridge Road, while clearing and grubbing continues throughout the segment. Additional activities include temporary striping, concrete barrier installation, and drainage work.

Segment B

Crews continue roadway preparation and drainage improvements throughout Segment B, including clearing, grubbing, and grading operations. Drainage installation is ongoing near Holcomb Bridge Road and along SR 400 northbound between Encore Parkway and Haynes Bridge Road. Crews are also installing temporary striping and concrete barriers between Haynes Bridge Road and the Chattahoochee River area and performing earthwork activities.

Segment C

Clearing and grubbing activities are ongoing and will continue through November. Temporary concrete barrier and striping installation is expected to continue through mid-September, while crews install temporary Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) poles along the corridor. Temporary and permanent drainage installation is also underway, along with earthwork and grading operations.

S3

Back to School:

As students head back to school, traffic volumes and activity around schools and neighborhoods will increase. If you're traveling along SR 400, slow down, stay alert, and be aware of changing traffic patterns and ongoing construction activity. Treat a work zone like you would a school zone; be extra careful and alert. Regardless of where you are traveling, allow extra travel time, follow posted signs and lane markings, and be especially mindful of school buses and other drivers adjusting to new routes. Construction zones can change quickly, so stay focused, avoid distractions, and maintain a safe distance from workers and equipment.

By driving cautiously and giving yourself extra time, you can help keep everyone safe during the back-to-school season.

S4

A typical day for an environmental control manager on the SR 400 Express Lanes Project often starts by checking the weather and reviewing rain gauges to see how much rain fell overnight and to identify areas of the project that may need attention that day. From there, the team heads into the field to inspect environmentally sensitive areas and check erosion and sediment control measures, also known as Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Throughout the day, the environmental control manager works alongside construction teams to understand ongoing activities, ensure activities comply with environmental requirements, and oversee environmental crews maintaining and installing erosion control devices as construction moves into different areas. Regular inspections take the team throughout the project right-of-way, where they look for potential concerns, inspect erosion control devices, and address issues as conditions change.

This work helps protect nearby streams and waterways, while regular inspections allow the team to identify and address concerns early. The environmental team works with nearly every area of the project, making environmental protection part of the process from early construction through completion.

Why it matters:

The environmental control manager helps ensure construction moves forward while protecting the environment surrounding the SR 400 project corridor. Their work is part of the project from beginning to end, helping ensure the SR 400 Express Lanes Project is built responsibly.

S5

Earlier this month, Natalie Dale, Georgia DOT's Spokesperson, visited the SR 400 Express Lanes Project to film updates on the upcoming relocation of the current Exit 5 access and the opening of new temporary exits, helping share important project information and progress with the community.

Project Hotline: 770.209.2520
Project Email: [email protected]
Project Website: 400expresslanes.com
Project Field Office/Public Information Office:
800 North Point Parkway, Suite 225, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Copyright (C) 2026 Georgia Department of Transportation. All rights reserved.

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Georgia Department of Transportation published this content on August 21, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 21, 2026 at 16:41 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]