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ATLANTA, GA - The Georgia State Transportation Board today approved the selection of Top End Mobility Group (TEMG) as the Apparent Best Value Proposer for the I-285 East Express Lanes projects. The approval authorizes TEMG to serve as the Phase 1 developer and to develop Phase 2 and future phases under a Comprehensive Development Agreement (CDA). The State Road and Tollway Authority will enter into a Public-Private Partnership (P3) Agreement with TEMG to advance Phase 1 of this major regional mobility project.
The I-285 East Express Lanes project will create a more connected and reliable transportation
network across metro Atlanta. I-285 currently carries approximately 250,000 vehicles each day
and experiences congestion for an average of eight hours every day. Traffic is forecast to
increase by 25 percent over the next 15 years.
The full I-285 East Express Lanes project is anticipated to include approximately 34 miles of
new, barrier-separated express lanes in both directions of I-285 from Northside Drive to the
I-285/I-20 interchange on Atlanta's east side, along with more direct connections to important
destinations and travel corridors.
The new express lanes will give drivers and transit providers an additional travel option, support
more predictable trip times, improve connections to key destinations, and help keep people and
goods moving efficiently throughout the corridor. The express lanes will be optional for drivers
and will not replace or remove the existing general purpose lanes. By providing another travel
alternative in the corridor, the project is expected to help reduce pressure on the general
purpose lanes. Dynamic pricing will adjust toll rates based on congestion in the express lanes,
helping manage demand, and maintain reliable speeds. Toll rates will remain within contractual
limits established by the state.
I-285 East Express Lanes Phase 1 will include two new, barrier-separated express lanes in the
westbound, or outer-loop, direction of I-285 between Henderson Road and Northside Drive and
connect with SR 400 and I-85 express lanes facilities. Specific Phase 1 project limits and team
information will be announced as details are finalized. TEMG's anticipated design and
construction cost for Phase 1 is $8.9B.
The state used a Best Value procurement process that evaluated separate financial and
technical proposals for both Phase 1 and remaining phases, or CDA portions, of the project.
Georgia DOT received responsive proposals from all three shortlisted proposers, and TEMG
was selected as the Apparent Best Value Proposer.
Under the P3 Agreement for Phase 1, TEMG will design, build, finance, operate, and maintain
the express lanes for 50 years. The project will be supported by private financing and toll
revenue rather than public funds, allowing Georgia to move this critical mobility investment
forward while preserving limited state and federal transportation funding for other needs. The
partnership model is also being used for the SR 400 Express Lanes project, which is currently
under construction.
"In Georgia, we are proud to lead the way in private investment and innovative solutions to meet
the infrastructure needs of our fast-growing regions," said Governor Brian Kemp. "I am confident
this public-private partnership will deliver this important project for the hardworking people of our
state and all who depend on our reliable highways."
The state and TEMG will use a phased, collaborative development process under the CDA
Agreement for the remaining phases. All remaining phases must be under construction within
10 years.
"We look forward to working with TEMG on this significant undertaking to improve mobility along
I-285," said Russell R. McMurry, P.E., Georgia DOT Commissioner. "We are equally excited
about the coordination we have had with communities, cities, counties, and Community
Improvement Districts over the years. Through this collective effort, we can help ensure that
transit benefits from the express lanes and that the project delivers lasting value for the region."
By creating new travel options for drivers and transit providers, the project is expected to
improve travel times and reliability across the corridor. Partnerships with transit providers will
also support the potential for bus rapid transit service, giving commuters more convenient and
dependable alternatives to driving alone.
"The I-285 East Express Lanes project is one of many key transportation projects transforming
metro Atlanta's infrastructure to meet the region's growing needs," said State Transportation
Board Member and P3 Committee Chair Stacey Key. "The department's continued focus on
regional mobility is strengthening the infrastructure that supports Georgia's economic growth.
We look forward to advancing this important project in partnership with our stakeholders and the
travelers who use the corridor every day."
"As we invite further economic and population growth into the region, finding more ways to
move travelers through the corridor is pivotal to that success," said Ann Hanlon, Executive
Director of the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts. "As we continue coordinating with
SRTA, Georgia DOT, and TEMG throughout the life of the project and into the future, we are
excited to see our shared goals and vision for the area come to fruition. Sustainable growth
remains one of our top priorities, and we are eager to see how this project supports that
mission."
The Georgia Express Lanes program has expanded over more than 15 years and now includes
four express lanes systems in operation on I-85 northwest of metro Atlanta, I-75 south of metro
Atlanta, and I-75 and I-575 in northwest metro Atlanta. More than 1.3 million Peach Pass
transponders are currently in use. The Peach Pass will be used on the I-285 express lanes as
well.
"Considering today's traffic along the top end perimeter and the anticipated growth in congestion
in the decades to come, we are excited to build out a more connected regional express lanes
network," said Jannine Miller, Executive Director of the State Road & Tollway Authority and of
the Georgia Transportation Efficiency Authority, and Director of Planning for Georgia DOT.
"Working collaboratively with TEMG, we will welcome new Peach Pass customers who will
enjoy the benefits of reliable trips through this important corridor. This project will also offer new
high-value, high-performance transit for commuters that doesn't exist today."
"This project continues the department's vision for a connected transportation network across
metro Atlanta supported by an integrated express lanes system," said Tim Matthews, P.E.,
Georgia DOT P3 Division Director. "With metro Atlanta among the fastest-growing regions in the
nation, finding a long-term approach to increasing congestion is a top priority. This project
marks the beginning of a new solution for I-285."
The TEMG team includes Cintra Global BV and TSI I-285 LLC as equity members, Ferrovial
Construction-Webber 285 as lead contractor, and AECOM Technical Services, Inc. as lead
engineering firm. The team will bring together its experience, technical expertise, and innovative
approaches to deliver the project and maximize value for travelers and the state.
Commercial close, including finalization and signing of the Agreements for both Phase 1 and the
CDA, is anticipated in December 2026. The TEMG team will then refine the project's
engineering design for Phase 1, complete environmental reevaluations and permitting, and
secure project financing. The TEMG team will reimburse the state $515M for project costs and
provide $23.6B in concession fee to the state, which will be split into annual payments following
financial close. Concession fee is subject to interest rate movements and financial structuring
prior to financial close, which is planned for October 2027, with construction anticipated to begin
in late 2027. Substantial completion of Phase 1 is anticipated in 2034, and all remaining phases
of I-285 East Express Lanes are scheduled for completion by 2041. The schedule is subject to
change.
Additional project information and supporting materials for media are available in the project
Media Kit.
Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs, and maintains Georgia's state and federal highways. We're involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike, and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability, and mobility. The Department's vision is to boost Georgia's competitiveness through leadership in transportation.
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