News Summary
The SR 400 Express Lanes project has received $11 billion in funding for a critical 16-mile upgrade in Georgia. This initiative will enhance transit infrastructure, add tolled express lanes, and improve traffic flow for local commuters. The financial package includes the largest TIFIA loan in history and aims to significantly reduce travel times for express lane users. Construction will take place in phases and is expected to complete by spring 2031, accommodating a growing population and employment in the area.
Atlanta, Georgia – The SR 400 Express Lanes project, a key infrastructure initiative in Georgia, has secured $11 billion in funding for a significant 16-mile upgrade along a busy corridor just north of Atlanta. This essential upgrade is set to improve transit infrastructure and add tolled express lanes, providing relief for local commuters and enhancing traffic flow in the region.
The project, made possible through a comprehensive $4.6 billion design-build contract within an extensive 56-year public-private partnership (P3), reached full financial closing on August 5, 2025. The SR 400 Peach Partners consortium, led by Meridiam and including ACS Infrastructure, Acciona Concesiones, Acciona Construction, Dragados, and Parsons, is responsible for its execution.
This financial package comprises the largest Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan in history, totaling $3.89 billion, and marks a record-setting U.S. P3 bond sale with nearly $3.32 billion in tax-exempt Private Activity Bonds (PABs). With an upfront payment of $4.05 billion in concession fees to the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA), these funds will be reinvested back into state transportation needs.
The SR 400 Express Lanes will see the construction of two new toll express lanes in each direction from North Springs Station to McGinnis Ferry Road, and one lane in each direction from McGinnis Ferry Road to McFarland Parkway. Additionally, an extra express lane will be constructed in both directions for the 0.9-mile section from McGinnis Ferry to McFarland Parkway. Important construction efforts will also include the replacement or widening of several bridges at critical intersections such as Pitts Road, Roberts Drive, and Kimball Bridge, which are vital for improving overall traffic capacity.
The project includes building two MARTA bus rapid transit (BRT) stations located at Holcomb Bridge Road and North Point Mall. A dynamic tolling system is planned to manage the tolls based on real-time traffic volume, ensuring that express lane speeds do not fall below 45 mph. Importantly, transit vehicles will have toll-free access to express lanes, while general-purpose lanes will remain toll-free for all users.
Estimates from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) suggest that express lane users could potentially save up to 17 minutes per trip during peak traffic hours, with projected reductions in daily delays exceeding 19,000 hours across the corridor. The financial framework for the project also includes a $184 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant, state obligation bonds valued at $100 million, and additional contributions from the City of Roswell. It is anticipated that this substantial investment will result in savings of $130 million to $250 million in state funding when matched against traditional project delivery methods.
The construction is expected to take place in phases to minimize disruptions to traffic, with completion targeted for spring 2031. The SR 400 area is projected to see considerable growth in population and employment, with GDOT estimating an additional 144,000 residents and 114,000 new jobs by the year 2050.
Prior to the initiation of major construction, SR 400 Peach Partners will be finalizing designs, conducting necessary environmental reviews, securing permits, and completing right-of-way acquisitions. Notably, the project has already cleared the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review back in 2021, with a Finding of No Significant Impact determined. Initial work, including utility relocations and tree clearing along the corridor, is expected to commence later this year.
The SR 400 Express Lanes project builds on a history of managed lane improvements within Georgia, following successful developments like the I-75/I-575 Northwest Corridor Express Lanes and the I-85 North Express Lanes Extension. Through its comprehensive plan, the SR 400 project aims to greatly enhance the daily commuting experience for thousands of Georgia residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Engineering News-Record: Georgia’s SR 400 Express Lanes Reach $1.1B Financial Close
- Wikipedia: SR 400
- Acciona: Financial Closure of Express Lanes SR 400 in Atlanta
- Google Search: SR 400 Express Lanes
- Ashurst: Advises on Closing of SR 400 Express Lanes Project
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public-Private Partnership
- Global Highways: $7.3 Billion Funding for Atlanta Road Project
- Google News: SR 400 Express Lanes Project
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
