The I-285/GA 400 interchange. Photo obtained via Google Maps.

GDOT has received the green light to move forward on a project to improve the I-285/GA400 interchange.

A press release from GDOT says it has secured environmental impact clearances from the Federal Highway Administration. The approval of two environmental documents clears the way for the project to move forward.

GDOT explained in the release, “Estimated at $1.1 billion for total project costs, the reconfiguration of the I-285/GA400 interchange and CD lanes along the corridor, targets one of metro Atlanta areas most congested locations. Each day, more than 400,000 vehicles travel through the interchange.”

“This is an amazing win for our team to be able to obtain approved environmental documents in such a short time frame,” Russell McMurry, GDOT Commissioner, is quoted as saying. “Working with our partners on the project and collaborating with FHWA to meet tight deadlines resulted in the success we have today, and I am confident that we will continue that positive trend as we move forward with the project.”

The press release says, “Currently, four teams are short listed to provide competitive bid packages highlighting innovation in design and construction aspects of the new interchange project. Proposals are due in September and the apparent awardee will be announced in December. The project is anticipated to open to traffic in 2020.”

Here’s the full press release:

Atlanta – GA DOT, working with key stakeholders and partners, received notification from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) of the acceptance of both the Environmental Assessment FONSI (finding of no significant impact) for the I-285/GA400 interchange reconstruction and for the Environmental Assessment Re-Evaluation FONSI for the companion collector-distributor (CD) lanes segment this week.

The Department was notified by FHWA that approval had been granted on both open environmental documents, clearing the way for this mega project to move ahead in the procurement phase, and ultimate selection of a design-build-finance team. Estimated at $1.1 billion for total project costs, the reconfiguration of the I-285/GA400 interchange and CD lanes along the corridor, targets one of metro Atlanta areas most congested locations. Each day, more than 400,000 vehicles travel through the interchange.

“This is an amazing win for our team to be able to obtain approved environmental documents in such a short time frame,” said Russell McMurry, GA DOT Commissioner. “Working with our partners on the project and collaborating with FHWA to meet tight deadlines resulted in the success we have today, and I am confident that we will continue that positive trend as we move forward with the project.”

Currently, four teams are short listed to provide competitive bid packages highlighting innovation in design and construction aspects of the new interchange project. Proposals are due in September and the apparent awardee will be announced in December. The project is anticipated to open to traffic in 2020.

Yvonne Williams, President and CEO of the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts, noted the importance of the State’s largest project to the area. “We have a positive history of moving projects ahead by working with the Georgia Department of Transportation and Governor Deal on strategic transportation investments. PCIDs are proud to work with our federal, statewide and regional partners once again in innovative project delivery.”