Georgia Selects Partner for Major I-285 Toll Lanes
The State Transportation Board chose Top End Mobility Group to build and operate express lanes along the I-285 corridor.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Construction
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Georgia officials have approved Top End Mobility Group to lead a multi-billion dollar project to add express lanes to I-285. The private consortium will finance the work and collect toll revenue for 50 years in exchange for paying the state $23.6 billion.
Why it matters
The project aims to reduce traffic congestion by allowing drivers to pay a premium for faster travel. It also provides a significant cash infusion to the state through a massive concession fee paid by the private operator.
The first phase of the I-285 expansion is valued at $8.9 billion. The operator will pay the state $23.6 billion in six installments while retaining toll revenue rights for 50 years.
The players
State Transportation Board
This board oversees the Georgia Department of Transportation and is responsible for setting policy and funding priorities for the state's infrastructure.
Top End Mobility Group
This private consortium was selected to design, finance, construct, and operate the new express toll lanes on I-285.
State Road and Tollway Authority
This agency manages state toll operations and is responsible for setting the dynamic toll limits that the private operator must follow.
The details
The project adds two outer-loop express lanes stretching from Henderson Road to Northside Drive. While private operators collect tolls, state agencies retain control over setting dynamic pricing limits for the lanes, which will allow public transit buses and state-registered vanpools to bypass traffic.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: The State Transportation Board approved the selection of Top End Mobility Group.
December 2026: GDOT and the consortium expect to sign the final project agreement.
Late 2027 or 2028: Potential start date for initial construction activities.
2034: The target opening year for the project's first phase of express lanes.
2040: The estimated completion date for all planned project phases.
Market Landscape
This agreement leverages the Georgia Public-Private Partnership Act to shift the financial burden of massive infrastructure development from taxpayers to private investors. It marks a continued trend of using private capital to modernize aging interstate corridors across the state.
Commuters can expect significant construction activity on I-285 starting as early as 2027, potentially impacting daily travel times during the build. Once completed, drivers will have the option to pay tolls to use express lanes for a faster trip, though prices will fluctuate based on real-time traffic demand.
The takeaway
The I-285 project represents a long-term commitment to dynamic tolling as a solution for Georgia traffic congestion. Residents in nearby areas should stay engaged with state transit updates as construction planning moves toward formal agreements.
Further reading
Learn more about ongoing infrastructure developments at the Construction hub.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.
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