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

The State Transportation Board has awarded a $460 million contract to rebuild the I-285/GA 400 interchange to North Perimeter Contractors.

North Perimeter, called a development partner for the project, is a team-up of different companies. Ferrovial Agroman US Corp. will be the lead contractor and The Louis Berger Group and Neel-Schaffer, Inc. will be lead designers.

The project was originally budgeted to be $1.1 billion. However, in a press release the Transportation Board said that price was knocked down to $679 million.

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“The project will be funded through a combination of federal, state, Perimeter CIDs, and private sector funds provided by North Perimeter Contractors,” the press release says.

The interchange project is expected to be finished by 2020. It will completely rebuild the interchange. It will also make improvements on I-285 west of Roswell Road in Fulton County to east of Ashford Dunwoody Road in DeKalb County, and along Georgia 400 from the Glenridge Connector to Spalding Drive.

“These improvements include the construction of new flyover ramps, new collector-distributor lanes and other facilities to aid east-west travel along I-285 and north-south travel along (Georgia) 400,” the press release says. “The project also includes the extension of PATH 400 trail system to inside the perimeter. The average commuter in the corridor is expected to save eight hours a year in commuting time and over 20,000 hours a day reduction in delay for all users as a result of the project completion.”

Here is the full press release:

Developer Selected for I-285/SR 400 Reconstruction Project

ATLANTA – Georgia achieved major milestone when the State Transportation Board (STB) voted today to accept North Perimeter Contractors as the apparent best value development partner to design, construct and partially finance the I-285/ SR 400 Reconstruction Project.  North Perimeter Contractors is a team made up of Ferrovial Agroman US Corp. as lead contractor and The Louis Berger Group and Neel-Schaffer, Inc. as lead designers.

“This interchange will improve the movement of people and goods across and within the state, expand Georgia’s role as a major logistics hub for global commerce and assist in creating jobs and growing businesses,” said Georgia Governor Nathan Deal. “Today our state has taken another step in the right direction to facilitate much needed relief to commuters and area businesses.”

The STB approved the selection of North Perimeter Contractors as a result of a detailed evaluation based on the proposals submitted on September 25, 2015 by four shortlisted development teams. Final selection was weighted 80-percent on price and 20-percent on technical capabilities which included; Project Management, Traffic Management, Schedule, and disadvantage business involvement.  The project remains in active procurement until a final Public Private Partnership (P3) agreement is executed early next year, which limits the release of proposal and process details at this time.

“We are very excited to be able to identify our best value proposer here today, after months of meeting accelerated deadlines to fast-track this project for the public.  There is still work to be done before reaching a final agreement, but we have certainly accomplished a major objective by identifying the group we intend to move forward with on delivering this important project to the community,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell McMurry.  “It is crucial to note that this has been a team effort, and is only possible due to our partnerships with the Governor’s Office, State Road and Tollway Authority, Federal Highway, Perimeter Community Improvement Districts, local governments along the corridor and many more that have provided assistance and support. This is a great example of a Public Private Partnership bringing value to the citizens of Georgia by letting private sector innovation and financing build a better project.”

The I-285/SR 400 Reconstruction Project will rebuild the I-285/SR 400 Interchange and also make improvements along I-285 from west of Roswell Road in Fulton County to east of Ashford-Dunwoody Road in DeKalb County (4.3 miles), and along SR 400 from the Glenridge Connector to Spalding Drive (6.2 miles), for a total project length of 10.5 miles. These improvements include the construction of new flyover ramps, new collector-distributor lanes and other facilities to aid east-west travel along I-285 and north-south travel along SR 400.  The project also includes the extension of PATH 400 trail system to inside the perimeter. The average commuter in the corridor is expected to save 8 hours a year in commuting time and over 20,000 hours a day reduction in delay for all users as a result of the project completion. The entire project is anticipated to be complete by mid-2020.

The original valuation of the 285/400 Reconstruction Project anticipated a total cost of $1.1 billion; however, through the competitiveness and resourcefulness possible with a P3 procurement, the bid of North Perimeter Contractors was $460 million.   The reduced costs of design, construction and financing now place the current total project estimate including: preliminary design; environmental approval; right of way acquisition; oversight roles; final design; construction; finance charges; utility relocations; construction engineering and inspection (CEI); and bonding and insurance at $679 million.  The project will be funded through a combination of federal, state, Perimeter CIDs, and private sector funds provided by North Perimeter Contractors.

“Our top transportation priority for the region and Perimeter Center area is the re-construction of the I-285/SR 400 Interchange.  It’s extremely rewarding for our Perimeter CIDs to partner with Governor Nathan Deal and the Georgia Department of Transportation on a project of such statewide significance,” said Yvonne Williams, President and CEO of the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts, which will be contributing $10-million towards the interchange’s reconstruction.

Ongoing project details are available at: http://www.dot.ga.gov/BuildSmart/Projects/Pages/I285SR400.aspx.

About the State Transportation Board

The State Transportation Board determines policy for and exercises general governance of Georgia’s Department of Transportation. The Board’s 14 members, representing each of the state’s congressional districts, serve staggered, five-year terms. Board members are elected by those state senators and representatives whose legislative districts fall within all or part of the relevant congressional district. The Georgia DOT is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment.

About Ferrovial

Ferrovial is one of the world’s leading infrastructure operators and municipal services companies, committed to developing sustainable solutions. The company has 69,000 employees and a presence in over 26 countries. Its main business areas are: Services, Toll Roads, Construction and Airports. It is a member of Spain’s blue-chip IBEX 35 index and is also included in prestigious sustainability indices such as the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and FTSE4Good.

A commitment to society is one of Ferrovial’s distinguishing characteristics. Accordingly, we are committed to Corporate Responsibility, best practices in Quality and the Environment, and the advancement of Innovation. We provide services to large communities to promote socio-economic development, helping improve people’s living standards and contributing to their development.

About Louis Berger

Louis Berger is a $1 billion global professional services corporation that helps infrastructure and development clients solve their most complex challenges. We are a trusted partner to national, state and local government agencies; multilateral institutions; and commercial industry clients worldwide. By focusing on client needs to deliver quality, safe, financially-successful projects with integrity, we are committed to deliver on our promise to provide Solutions for a better world.

About Neel-Schaffer Inc.

Neel-Schaffer Inc., is a multi-disciplined engineering and planning firm with offices throughout the South. Founded in 1983, the firm now has more than 400 professional and technical staff. In 2015, it was ranked 187th on Engineering News-Record’s list of the country’s Top 500 Design Firms.

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