Georgia DOT is presently accepting public comments on a proposed project to improve I-75 South near Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. The proposed project will construct a collector-distributor (CD) system on I-75 South from I-285 to SR 331 / Forest Parkway. Construction is forecast to begin around 2028-2029.
The state is accepting comments through Thursday, June 12. Visit the state’s online open house to submit comments.
I-75 South Collector-Distributor System
Georgia DOT shares the following description of the proposed project:
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is seeking feedback about a proposed solution to improve mobility and correct operational challenges. [The project will] modify interchange ramps and create an offset, parallel collector-distributor (CD) system. [The CD system] will allow traffic traveling from Interstate 285 to I-75 and State Route 331 / Forest Parkway to merge independently of the I-75 mainline. The project also proposes an auxiliary lane on I-75 South from Forest Parkway to US Highway 19 / 41.
They have an open house available online. There, residents can view the project layout and submit online comments.
The state’s comment deadline is Thursday, June 12. Afterward, the state DOT will respond to comments received. Those who comment can provide their email address to receive a copy of the state’s response.
One notable feature of this project would be a new bridge for motorists exiting I-75 South to Forest Parkway. This bridge would carry motorists over the I-285 off-ramp. This eliminates an existing weave section or conflict point between these two groups of travelers. The project would also reconstruct the Forest Parkway bridge over I-75.
The I-75 South auxiliary lane between Forest Parkway and US 19/41 would add an extra lane. This would widen I-75 South to five lanes, instead of the current four lanes, between the two exits. Auxiliary lanes allow motorists more time to make a safe merge when entering or exiting the interstate. There’s an existing auxiliary lane on I-75 North between the two exits.
The project has an estimated total cost of $128 million. The majority of this expense, $110.6 million, would be for construction.
Georgia DOT previously built a CD system for I-75 North in this area from 2019 to 2021. That project built the tunnel and bridge now in use north of Forest Parkway.
Featured image shows I-75 South north of I-285 with a concept sign to reflect the future project. Google photo; SignMaker sign.
