This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

I-85 Toll Lanes To Open Oct. 1

HOV conversion to toll-based lanes will begin in two weeks, state DOT says.

The Georgia Department of Transportation issued an update this week informing the public of the final stages of the HOV lane conversion on I-85 through parts of Gwinnett and DeKalb counties. Final text changes on the signage began Friday night, and the Express Lanes are scheduled to open Saturday, Oct. 1, weather permitting.

The sign change work requires 128 changes to 105 signs in the 16-mile Express Lane for both the  north and southbound lanes. Additionally, work crews will remove existing HOV pavement markings and replace them with updated Express Lane pavement markings. The plan requires nightly lane closures on I-85. Commuters should expect lane closures and traffic pacing between 8pm and 5am each day. northbound and southbound.   

“During the sign transition, motorists have the opportunity to get more familiar with these new regulatory signs prior to the launch of the Express Lanes,” said Georgia DOT Chief Engineer Gerald Ross. “Motorist should also note that the existing High Occupancy Vehicle lanes will continue in operation, allowing vehicles with 2 or more people, motorcycles and alternate fuel vehicles to use the lanes until the Express Lane System are open on October 1.”

The new Express Lanes on the I-85 corridor will have different rules than the existing HOV lanes. Single- and double-occupant vehicles are allowed in the lane if they have a Peach Pass, which will charge them a variable priced toll based on current traffic conditions. Automobiles with three or more occupants must still use a Peach Pass but will not be charged a toll. Opening a Peach Pass requires a minimum of $20 applied to the account balance.

For more information on specific lane usage rules, or to register for a Peach Pass, go to www.peachpass.com or call 1-855-PCH-PASS (1-855-724-7277).

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Suwanee