By now, most Atlanta-metropolitan area commuters have seen the toll roads along Interstates 75 and 85. They’re a novel idea to bring in income for the betterment of roadways and help drivers have a more reliable commuting time. Throughout the day, the amount it costs a commuter to get into the so-called “fast-lanes” will vary – the heavier traffic is, the heftier the cost will be. Signs located along the expressway will display the current cost. Unlike HOV lanes, even single occupant vehicles can take advantage of the express lanes. However, vehicles with more than two axles and/or more than six wheels are prohibited. The AJC reports on the opening of the new toll lanes on Saturday.
The Northwest Corridor Express Lanes in Cobb and Cherokee County will open on Saturday. They will allow commuters willing to pay a minimum of $0.10 per mile a way to get home or to work faster. There is no current maximum toll.
For motorists who have Peach Pass accounts, the first two weeks of commuting along the express lanes will be free.
A spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Transportation states that they will help loosen congestion on interstates that see more than 300,000 commuters on a daily basis.
Unlike the other express lanes south of Atlanta, the Northwest corridor express lanes will be reversible. In the mornings, they will open to traffic traveling southbound. In the afternoons, the lanes will carry traffic headed northbound. The lane will shut down during the midday traffic lull to allow operators time to clear the roadways of traffic.
For those wishing to use the express lanes during the overnight hours, a flat fee of $0.50 will be in effect from midnight to 5 a.m., when traffic is lightest.
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