The Georgia Department of Transportation hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction on the SR 400 Express Lanes project; one of the largest transportation infrastructure investments in Georgia’s history.
[Above photo by the Georgia DOT]
When complete, the SR 400 Express Lanes will add new express lanes in both directions along a 16-mile stretch between the North Springs MARTA Station and north of McFarland Parkway. Construction is expected to continue through 2031.
The project is being delivered through a public-private partnership or P3 between Georgia DOT, the State Road and Tollway Authority, and SR 400 Peach Partners. Under the agreement, the developer will design, build, finance, operate and maintain the lanes over a 55-year term of the project.
This approach allows Georgia to leverage private-sector expertise and investment to accelerate construction, reduce long-term costs, and bring innovative transportation solutions to the region, the agency said.
A major component of this P3 is a $3.89 billion federal loan provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation through its Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act or TIFIA program to SR 400 Peach Partners – financing supports construction and helps minimize the required use of state funds.
“Breaking ground on the SR 400 Express Lanes project – the largest public-private partnership of its kind in the country – marks a historic milestone for Georgia and showcases the power of innovations that deliver results,” said Governor Brian Kemp (R) in a statement.
“This groundbreaking is just the latest example of Georgia’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that supports job creation, strengthens our economy, and keeps us the No. 1 state for business,” he added.
Sean McMaster, administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, noted that his agency’s new “Freedom to Drive” initiative will help enhance projects like this one.
“We aim to build on this success nationwide, proving that federal, state, and private resources can work hand-in-hand to build a faster and more reliable transportation system,” he said.
With construction now underway, the SR 400 Express Lanes will become a cornerstone of the Georgia Express Lanes network, said Russell McMurry, Georgia DOT’s commissioner – improving reliability, strengthening regional connectivity, supporting economic growth, and providing expanded transit options for decades to come.
“This innovative P3 approach demonstrates the value of working together with private partners and private capital to deliver landmark projects,” noted McMurry, who is also the 2025-2026 president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
“Providing travelers options to bypass congestion along this vital corridor has been a statewide priority and part of our state’s long-term managed lane system plan,” he said.
“Achieving these milestones underscores our team’s resolve and SR 400 Peach Partners’ shared vision to improve mobility for both cars and transit, and support metro Atlanta’s future economic vitality,” McMurry added.
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