November 5, 2009

ATLANTA (AP) -- The staff of the Georgia Department of Transportation is proposing that the state add toll lanes to stretches of several major highways in metro Atlanta.

The proposals presented at a DOT work session on Wednesday include stretches of Interstate 285 and parts of I-20, Ga. 400, northern I-75 and I-575. An extension of Sugarloaf Parkway in
Gwinnett County is also included.

The state announced this week that it was abandoning its partnership with the developer that originally proposed the I-75/I-575 project.

DOT officials say a new law reorganizing transportation planning made that change necessary and that putting the project up for bidding would produce the best possible project.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Monday that plans would include optional toll lanes alongside I-75 and I-575 in Cobb and Cherokee counties.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)