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May 2026
Inside this Newsletter:
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Construction activities continue to ramp up along the full 16-mile SR 400 corridor, as the Developer prepares for heavy construction later this summer. Motorists can expect to see some evening roadwork corridor-wide, as crews conduct drain inspections with controlled, intermittent, and overnight lane closures in the left lanes on both SR 400 northbound and southbound. You will see grubbing activities, the process of removing leftover materials below the ground, such as roots from previously cleared areas, along the SR 400 corridor.
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Segment A
Early construction preparations are underway near Exit 5, with activity along the southbound shoulder between the Spalding Drive bridge and Abernathy Road ramps to support future traffic shifts. Grubbing is currently ongoing in preparation for upcoming construction activities, including concrete barrier placement, lane striping, and new signage installation. Earthwork operations and construction of retaining walls are also scheduled to begin in these locations later this summer.
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Segment B
Drainage installation work has commenced at Holcomb Bridge Road at SR 400, with minimal traffic impacts expected as crews work off the roadway. Additionally, grubbing activities continue on SR 400 between Encore Parkway and Haynes Bridge Road.
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Segment C
Crews continue implementing erosion control measures and begin the process of grubbing previously cleared areas between McGinnis Ferry Road and McFarland Parkway, with additional worksite construction activity near the Tradewinds Parkway MARTA park-and-ride. Commuters using the park-and-ride will not be impacted by these activities.
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On April 22, state, federal, and regional leaders gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the SR 400 Express Lanes, marking the official start of construction on one of the largest transportation investments in Georgia's history. The event brought together key partners, including the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT), the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA), the U.S. Department of Transportation, and SR 400 Peach Partners, highlighting the strong collaboration driving the project forward.
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Federal participation underscored the national significance of the project, with senior U.S. transportation officials in attendance. Federal financing, including a multibillion-dollar TIFIA loan, is playing a key role in advancing construction.
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Delivered through a Public-Private Partnership between Georgia DOT, SRTA, and SR 400 Peach Partners, the project represents a new model for delivering major infrastructure. This collaboration combines public oversight with private-sector innovation and investment to accelerate delivery, reduce long-term costs, and bring advanced transportation solutions to the region.
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The groundbreaking marked more than the start of construction-it signaled a major step forward for mobility in metro Atlanta. Once complete, the 16-mile corridor will provide more reliable travel options, improve safety, support transit, and help accommodate the region's continued growth.
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For the public, this milestone means progress is now visible. With construction underway, the SR 400 Express Lanes project is moving from planning to reality-delivering a more connected, efficient, and reliable corridor that will benefit drivers, commuters, and communities for decades to come.
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Check out the SR 400 Express Lanes Groundbreaking Recap Video:
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On a project as large as the SR 400 Express Lanes, safety managers play a critical role in keeping work moving while protecting both crews and the traveling public.
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Each day begins by reviewing planned construction and maintenance activities along the corridor to identify potential hazards before crews arrive on site. Much of the day is spent in the field, checking active work zones and maintenance areas to ensure traffic control setups, equipment operations, and crew activities are being performed safely. Safety managers work closely with construction teams, maintenance crews, and incident response operators to address hazards in real time and reinforce safe work practices.
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Technology helps support these efforts. The project team utilizes an internal incident notification system that provides immediate alerts if a safety issue occurs along the corridor. The platform operates on a tiered alert structure, ensuring the appropriate personnel are notified quickly based on the severity of the situation.
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Safety managers also oversee the project's broader safety program, including training and onboarding. The project is using tablet-based safety onboarding with iPads, allowing workers to complete orientation in an interactive digital format rather than relying solely on traditional classroom sessions. This helps ensure safety procedures and expectations are consistently communicated across all contractors working along the corridor.
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Why This Role Matters
Large infrastructure projects involve complex operations occurring alongside live traffic. Safety managers help identify and correct potential hazards before they lead to incidents or delays, ensuring consistent safety standards across the corridor. Their work helps protect everyone, from the workers behind the cones to the drivers passing through the work zone.
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Artistic Rendering of the Future BRT Station at Holcomb Bridge Road
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The SR 400 Express Lanes project will expand transit options and introduce Express Lanes Transit (ELT) to the corridor. Supported by a $100 million state investment, the project allows MARTA's new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service to travel toll-free in the express lanes, providing passengers with faster, more reliable travel along SR 400.
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MARTA will operate the SR 400 BRT system beginning at the North Springs MARTA Station and will include the addition of new stations at Holcomb Bridge Road, North Point Mall, and the Windward Park and Ride-a future MARTA Transit-Oriented Development.
BRT stations are planned in separate guideways located within or immediately adjacent to the SR 400 corridor, with associated park and ride facilities, pedestrian connections, and other BRT amenities.
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The proposed BRT service would have frequencies similar to current MARTA rail service and maintain a reliable schedule by using the SR 400 Express Lanes. The conceptual station designs include safe pedestrian access and convenient connections between connecting transit routes. Proposed stations would be for buses only.
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As we head into the start of summer, traffic volumes along the SR 400 corridor may fluctuate. Whether you're commuting to work, heading out town for vacation, or traveling with the family to a Braves game, safety should stay on the top of your mind while driving. Georgia DOT encourages motorists to follow all posted speed limit signs, remain vigilant in construction zones, and to be mindful of workers and incident response teams operating nearby.
Give yourself extra travel time, keep a safe following distance, and consider adjusting travel times to avoid peak congestion - especially during holiday weekends. By staying patient and aware, drivers can help ensure a safe and smooth start to the summer season along the SR 400 corridor. Motorists who need assistance on SR 400 should continue to call 511 for non-emergency assistance and 911 for emergencies.
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Aerial View of Windward Parkway
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Aerial View of McFarland Parkway
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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
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