The ceremonial start of construction on the Georgia 400 Express Lanes, the largest transportation infrastructure investment in Georgia’s history, was held Wednesday. Major construction activities are already underway in Fulton and Forsyth counties.
The project is being delivered through a Public-Private Partnership (P3) between the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT), the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA), and SR 400 Peach Partners, LLC. Under the agreement, the developer will design, build, finance, operate and maintain the lanes over a 55-year term. This approach allows Georgia to leverage private-sector expertise and investment to accelerate construction, reduce long-term costs and bring innovative transportation solutions to the region.
“Breaking ground on the SR 400 Express Lanes project — the largest public-private partnership of its kind in the country — marks a historic milestone for Georgia and showcases the power of innovations that deliver results,” said Gov. Brian Kemp.
A major component of the partnership is a $3.89 billion federal loan provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program to SR 400 Peach Partners, the largest loan ever awarded to a single borrower. The financing supports construction and helps minimize the required use of state funds. Federal leaders noted that the project shows how modern tools and partnerships can reduce construction timelines and enhance safety while giving states more flexibility to meet long-term mobility needs.
Drivers will begin to see equipment mobilization, work-zone installation and phased traffic shifts as construction begins. Work will occur during the day and overnight, with nighttime activities typically scheduled from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. to help reduce daytime traffic impacts. Full construction is expected to continue through 2031.