The Georgia Department of Transportation is once again reaching out to residents of DeKalb County to gather feedback on its proposed I-285 Eastside Express Lanes project.

The initiative, a significant transportation upgrade, aims to ease congestion, enhance transit options, and ensure more reliable travel times along a vital stretch of I-285.

The plan includes two barrier-separated express lanes in each direction, a notable update from the 2019 concept of a single buffer-separated lane.

Opportunities for Community Engagement

Georgia DOT is hosting Community Conversations at local venues throughout December. These events will provide residents with an opportunity to:

Understand the latest project updates.
Engage directly with transportation experts.

Voice concerns about environmental impacts and offer suggestions.

Meeting Dates and Locations:

Dec. 4: Exchange Park Gym, Decatur

Dec. 9: DoubleTree Hotel, Atlanta
Dec. 10: Clarkston Baptist Church Gym, Clarkston
All meetings are scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m.

Virtual Access for Residents

For those unable to attend in person, the GDOT has set up a Virtual Meeting Room on the project’s website, where all materials, including a Community Survey, will be accessible. The survey offers a platform for residents to share their travel habits and weigh in on improvements along the corridor.

A Public-Private Partnership Model

The revised express lanes project aligns with GDOT’s commitment to using partnerships with private companies to lower state costs and speed up project completion. By involving private sector partners, the initiative not only expands infrastructure but also accelerates progress and reduces taxpayer burdens.

B.T. Clark

Publisher at The Georgia Sun

B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.