Georgia Department of Transportation

03/16/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/16/2026 14:50

SR 400 Express Lanes March 2026 Newsletter

Inside this Newsletter:

  • Construction Update

  • Project Overview: What is the SR 400 Express Lanes Project?

  • SR 400 Incident Response Unit

  • Safety Tip

  • Fast Fact

S1

Construction activities for the State Route (SR) 400 Express Lanes Projectare anticipated to begin in early April, marking a major milestone for mobility improvements along the 16-mile, SR 400 corridor. Early work, including tree clearing, utility relocations, and initial site preparation, began in the fall to prepare the corridor for heavy construction. Tree clearing is one of the first significant steps in creating sufficient space for the future express lanes, bridges, utility relocations, and safe work zones. This process also allows engineers to evaluate soil conditions and begin grading for roadway improvements, ensuring cleared areas can transition smoothly into active work zones as the project progresses.

Residents and motorists will begin seeing construction equipment mobilizing, work zones being established, and phased traffic shifts designed to keep vehicles moving throughout construction. Crews are beginning foundational work to support the future express lanes, including construction of new bridges and upgrades to existing interchanges. The project team remains committed to maintaining strict safety standards to protect crews, motorists, and nearby homes and businesses.

Aerial view of the SR 400 corridor

As construction ramps up, the project team is also committed to keeping the public and all stakeholders informed about upcoming activities and any associated traffic impacts. Information will continue to be shared proactively to help residents, drivers, and community partners plan ahead. Frequent updates will be made to the project websiteand visitors are encouraged to check it regularly as well as subscribeto receive weekly traffic impact alerts and monthly project progress updates.

When completed, the SR 400 corridor will be widened to add express lanes in each direction, new auxiliary lanes and ramps, drainage features including detention and water quality ponds, and noise barriers.

Construction Segments

Upon final design of the SR 400 Express Lanes Project, construction will occur in segments along the corridor. The first segment is scheduled to begin in early April (see chart below). Once all segments have begun, construction activities will occur simultaneously across multiple sections of the 16-mile corridor. All planned construction activities in support of the SR 400 Express Lanes are anticipated to be completed by 2031. The construction schedule is subject to change.

S2

What is the SR 400 Express Lanes Project?

The SR 400 Express Lanes Project will add new, optional tolled express lanes along State Route 400 from the North Springs MARTA Station to just north of McFarland Parkway to help manage congestion, improve travel reliability, and support growth in Fulton and Forsyth counties-two of the fastest-growing counties in the United States-and serve as a key connection between residents, jobs, and destinations.

The new express lanes will use "dynamic pricing," meaning toll rates adjust based on real-time traffic conditions. Advanced signage will display current toll rates prior to every express-lane entrance, allowing drivers the option to enter based on price and offering drivers a reliable travel option at all times while keeping existing general purpose lanes free to use.

The SR 400 Express Lanes will be part of the larger Georgia Express Lanes Network, connecting more communities across the region and helping motorists and transit riders enjoy more reliable and predictable trip times.

Express Lanes Transit (ELT) is part of the Georgia Express Lanes system and will provide dedicated stations for MARTA's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system along the SR 400 corridor. BRT service on SR 400 will begin at the North Springs MARTA Station, with direct stops at BRT stations located at Holcomb Bridge Road, North Point Mall, and the Windward Park and Ride lot.

S3

New SR 400 Incident Response Unit

A new, dedicated SR 400 Incident Response Unit (IRU) will soon begin operating along the project corridor to enhance safety and keep traffic moving. This unit is specifically created for the SR 400 Express Lanes Project and will provide rapid response to crashes, disabled vehicles, and roadway incidents.

The IRU will work closely alongside Georgia DOT's familiar yellow "HERO" trucks to improve response times, reduce secondary crashes, and support overall roadway safety. While HERO trucks will continue their regular operations, the IRU will offer additional dedicated patrols within the SR 400 Express Lanes project limits to help keep traffic moving safely during construction.

New SR 400 Incident Response Unit (IRU) Vehicles

Beginning this spring, motorists may begin seeing the new IRU trucks actively patrolling the corridor. More information about the SR 400 IRU vehicles and operations will be posted on the project web page as details become available.

S4

Navigating Safely Through Active Construction Zones
As construction is now underway along the SR 400 corridor, drivers may encounter heavy equipment, active work areas, and shifting traffic patterns. These conditions require extra caution to protect both motorists and construction crews.

Keep these important tips in mind when traveling through construction zones:


Stay Alert and Aware

  • Heavy equipment operators may have limited visibility.

  • Construction zones may include large machinery that can move unexpectedly.

  • Watch for workers, flaggers, and temporary traffic pattern shifts.

  • Avoid all distractions behind the wheel.

Follow Posted Signs

  • Always comply with reduced work-zone speed limits.

  • Watch for cones, barrels, barriers, and signage guiding you through lane shifts.

  • Allow extra travel time for slowed or congested conditions.

Maintain Safe Distances

  • Keep a safe distance from machinery, trucks, and equipment entering or exiting work zones.

By staying cautious, patient, and aware you can help keep crews and motorists safe as this important work moves forward.

S5

Fast Fact

The SR 400 Express Lanes Project is being delivered through an innovative Public-Private Partnership (P3) funding model, making it one of the largest Revenue-RiskP3 projects in the country. SR 400 Peach Partners-the project's Developer team-brings together a consortium of international transportation experts responsible for designing, building, financing, operating, and maintaining the express lanes for an approximately 56-year period.

The project is funded through a combination of private sector, state, federal, and local dollars. As part of the agreement, the Developer will receive toll revenue in exchange for assuming responsibility for delivering and maintaining the express lanes. As a result of this P3 procurement model, the project will not require any additional public funding to build, operate, and maintain.

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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Georgia Department of Transportation published this content on March 16, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 16, 2026 at 20:50 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]