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July 2026
Inside this Newsletter:
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All Segments
Tree clearing activities will resume in early August along portions of the SR 400 corridor as the project moves into its next phase of construction. Clearing is an important step in creating the space needed to widen the roadway, build the future express lanes, and provide safe work areas for construction crews and equipment.
In addition, roadway restriping operations are ongoing throughout the project corridor to support upcoming traffic shifts and changing roadway conditions. Motorists may also notice minor shoulder reductions in certain areas as crews continue preparatory work.
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Segment A
Beginning later this summer, the existing SR 400 southbound exit 5 which provides access to the North Springs MARTA Station, Abernathy Road, and Hammond Drive, will be closed for the first phase of construction. To maintain access to these destinations, two new temporary exits will open south of the current exit 5. The temporary exits will open concurrently with the closure of the existing exit 5, ensuring uninterrupted access to these destinations throughout construction.
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North Springs MARTA Station (Temporary Exit 5B): A MARTA-only exit located approximately 0.6 miles south of the current exit 5.
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Abernathy Road and Hammond Drive (Temporary Exit 5A): A separate exit serving Abernathy Road and Hammond Drive located approximately 1.1 miles south of the current exit 5.
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Motorists should watch for updated roadway signage, expect periodic overnight lane closures, and allow extra travel time as they become familiar with the new traffic configuration.
Be on the lookout for additional information in the coming weeks.
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Segment B
Crews are installing new pavement markings and temporary concrete barriers while continuing earthwork, grubbing, and drainage improvements. Current drainage work at Holcomb Bridge Road continues to take place within the project right-of-way and outside of active travel lanes to help minimize impacts to motorists.
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Segment C
Crews are to begin installing fencing and erosion control measures as the project prepares for upcoming tree clearing, grubbing, and grading operations.
Construction activity is expected to increase near McFarland Parkway, beginning in late July. Crews will begin preparing the areas within three of the four ramp infields to support future construction operations.
Establishing these support areas will help improve construction efficiency, reduce the need to transport materials throughout the corridor, and provide the resources necessary to construct the northern portion of the project safely and effectively.
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Stay Alert as Summer Construction Activity Increases
Have you noticed more construction activity on the roadways during the summer months? Warmer weather and longer daylight hours provide ideal conditions for many roadway construction activities, allowing crews to complete more work safely and efficiently. As a result, drivers may encounter increased construction activity, traffic pattern changes, new roadway striping, updated signage, and more construction vehicles entering and exiting active work areas.
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Stay informed before you travel by signing up to receive weekly traffic alerts - SR 400 Express Lanes. These updates provide a convenient way to plan your route and stay aware of upcoming construction activities and impacts. You can also check 511GA for real-time traffic information, lane closures, and roadway conditions before you hit the road. For assistance on SR 400 or to report an incident, motorists should call 511 for non-emergency assistance and 911 for emergencies.
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Remember: Safer driving decisions help protect you, other motorists, and the crews working to improve our transportation system.
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Behind the scenes of the SR 400 Express Lanes Project, Traffic Management Center (TMC) operators work around the clock to help keep the corridor moving safely and efficiently. Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, these dedicated professionals continuously monitor the project corridor. Working in close coordination with the Georgia Department of Transportation's (GDOT) 511 Traffic Management Center, the SR 400 Express Lanes TMC provides an additional layer of real-time monitoring focused specifically within the project limits.
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A typical day for a TMC operator involves much more than watching camera feeds. Operators actively monitor traffic conditions, identify crashes, disabled vehicles, debris, or other roadway hazards, often before they are reported by the public. They quickly coordinate with emergency responders, law enforcement, and the Incident Response Unit (IRU) to ensure incidents are addressed safely and efficiently by maintaining constant communication to help minimize traffic impacts and improve response times.
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While motorists may never see the people working inside the TMC, their role is essential to the safe operation of the corridor. Through advanced technology, real-time decision-making, and strong coordination with GDOT and emergency response partners, TMC operators help provide situational awareness 24/7, supporting safer travel today and preparing the SR 400 Express Lanes for reliable operations when the new lanes open.
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Metro Atlanta's rapid growth is placing increasing demands on SR 400. To address current and future transportation needs, the SR 400 Express Lanes Project will add 16 miles of new express lanes, improve travel reliability, enhance regional transit connectivity, and support the efficient movement of people and goods along this critical corridor.
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Check out the infographic above to explore project highlights, noteworthy statistics, and how these improvements will help keep metro Atlanta moving.
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Have you ever been driving along SR 400 when traffic suddenly slows to a crawl, only to clear a few minutes later with no crash, construction, or disabled vehicle in sight? You may have experienced phantom traffic. Phantom traffic occurs when one driver brakes unexpectedly or changes speed, causing the drivers behind them to react. That chain reaction creates a ripple, or "traffic wave," that can continue for miles, even after the original cause is gone.
As metro Atlanta grows, increased traffic volumes make phantom traffic more common, especially during peak travel times. While no roadway can eliminate every traffic slowdown, the SR 400 Express Lanes Project will provide a more reliable travel option by adding 16 miles of managed express lanes designed to keep traffic flowing and reduce stop-and-go conditions. The project will also support future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), giving travelers additional ways to move through the corridor.
Drivers can help reduce phantom traffic by leaving a safe following distance, maintaining a steady speed, and avoiding unnecessary braking. Together, these simple habits, and continued investments in transportation infrastructure can help create safer, smoother, and more reliable travel for everyone.
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Earthwork operations continue to advance along the SR 400 Express Lanes corridor as crews excavate and transport material to establish the project's future roadway profile. This work is a critical early phase of the project, helping shape the alignment before utilities, drainage systems, bridges, and pavement are constructed.
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Project Hotline: 770.209.2520
Project Email: [email protected]
Project Website: 400expresslanes.com
Project Field Office/Public Information Office:
800 North Point Parkway, Suite 225, Alpharetta, GA 30005
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