Public-Private Initiatives

1) What improvements are being proposed for I-75 and I-575?
2) Why the I-75/575 Northwest Corridor?
3) What are the benefits of the proposed I-75/575 PPI project?
4) How much time could a driver save by using the proposed congestion-priced managed lanes?
5) What are the benefits of bus rapid transit?
6) How will this project help boost the local economy?
7) What is the process for project selection and award?
8) Which agencies and groups are involved in the Northwest Corridor project?
9) How does the Northwest Corridor proposal fit into the ongoing environmental process?
10) Was there competition for this project?
11) What has been the reaction to the project thus far?
12) How much will the proposed I-75/575 PPI project cost?
13) How will the project be funded?
14) Will the entire system be tolled and how much will the toll cost?
15) Who will set the toll prices? How will tolls be collected?
16) Who will own the facility and oversee toll collection, maintenance and repairs, etc.?
17) Where else have congestion-priced toll lanes been used?
18) How will this project affect truckers?
19) When will construction begin and end?
20) Why is now the best time to begin this project?
21) Will there be disruption of traffic due to construction?
22) How will GTP be sensitive to the environment and local communities?

Photos courtesy of Bechtel Infrastructure Corporation

1) What improvements are being proposed for I-75 and I-575?

In 2004 Georgia Transportation Partners (GTP) submitted a PPI proposal to add highway and bus rapid transit capacity to the I-75/575 Northwest Corridor, thereby saving time for all commuters as well as improving safety. Specifically, GTP proposes to add new, lanes managed through congestion pricing along I-75 and I-575, from I-285 to Hickory Grove and Sixes roads. A new bus rapid transit (BRT) system is proposed to share the new managed lanes. As an option, GTP also proposes to add barrier separated truck-only lanes (TOLs), which should improve roadway safety and further reduce congestion. In either option, all existing general purpose lanes will remain free in accordance with Georgia’s State Transportation Board Policies.

2) Why the I-75/575 Northwest Corridor?

The I-75/575 Northwest Corridor, stretching from the Cumberland Galleria through Cobb County into Cherokee County, is home to more than 400,000 residents. This area connects major business, commercial, and employment centers and is one of the most congested corridors in metro Atlanta. The Northwest Corridor is also a major north-south truck route with 30 percent of traffic volume consisting of trucks.

3) What are the benefits of the proposed I-75/575 PPI project?

If implemented, the GTP proposal will provide:

New transportation choices with the addition of managed lanes and the BRT system.
Significantly faster and more reliable commute times in the new managed lanes.
Additional lane capacity which will reduce congestion in existing general purpose lanes.
Optionally, the addition of tolled Truck Only Lanes (TOLs) to further reduce congestion and improve safety.

Transit-oriented development opportunities at the planned BRT stations.
Project completion years sooner than the traditional project development process.

4) How much time could a driver save by using the proposed congestion-priced managed lanes?

It is estimated that at completion in 2011 to 2013, drivers will save 14 to 22 minutes by using the congestion priced toll lanes during the peak morning and afternoon hours. By 2030, when congestion levels are even greater, drivers will save up to 29 to 38 minutes by using these toll lanes.

5) What are the benefits of bus rapid transit?

Bus rapid transit will take advantage of the free-flowing managed lanes to move transit riders quickly through the corridor in a bus that resembles a “train on rubber tires.” As proposed, the bus rapid transit system also will provide an excellent opportunity for transit-oriented development, creating communities that are less dependent on cars. This will result in increased bus rapid transit ridership, less congestion from the reduced numbers of cars on the road and improved air quality.

6) How will this project help boost the local economy?

During design and construction, a majority of the work will be with local, specialty, and minority firms. Peak hiring will exceed 800 personnel, most of whom will be local hires. On completion, the improved mobility of cars and trucks will foster the economic viability of the region along this critical corridor.

7) What is the process for project selection and award?

The GTP proposal has been submitted under Georgia’s innovative Public-Private Initiatives legislation as passed by the Georgia General Assembly in 2003 and amended in 2005. The process for advertisement for competing proposals, selection and award is explained here.

8) Which agencies and groups are involved in the Northwest Corridor project?

In 2004, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) and the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) began an environmental study for HOV and BRT options and alternatives for the corridor. Public meetings are currently underway to gain input on plans for the corridor.

In November 2004, Georgia Transportation Partners (GTP) submitted a PPI proposal for improvements to the Northwest Corridor. GTP is a joint-venture formed to provide the public sector a strong private partner to help build this project. The GTP joint venture includes Bechtel Infrastructure Corporation and two Georgia-based contractors: Kiewit Corporation subsidiary Gilbert Southern Corp. and C.W. Matthews Contracting Co., Inc. The GTP team also includes Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.; Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan (PBS&J); and SYSTRA Consulting, as well as more than a dozen specialty, local and minority firms.

9) How does the Northwest Corridor proposal fit into the ongoing environmental process?

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) are currently working on an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) document evaluating transportation improvement alternatives in the I-75/575 Northwest Corridor (reference www.nwhovbrt.com). If GDOT selects the GTP proposal, the proposed concepts would be incorporated into the environmental process. The environmental process will ultimately determine what transportation improvements, if any, will be implemented in the corridor.

10) Was there competition for this project?

Yes, the PPI process is a competitive procurement process with advertisements for competing proposals issued by GDOT shortly after receipt of an unsolicited proposal. After advertising for competing proposals for the I-75/575 project, no competing proposals were submitted.

11) What has been the reaction to the project thus far?

Both media coverage and public reaction have been very positive. A voter survey done in October 2004 showed an overwhelming majority of respondents wanted improvements to the corridor. Over sixty percent were in favor of the new congestion-priced and truck-only lanes. Public input will continue to be solicited throughout the PPI process and the ongoing environmental impact study on the I-75/575 NW Corridor.

12) How much will the proposed I-75/575 PPI project cost?

Georgia Transportation Partners’ (GTP) proposal includes a preliminary cost estimate in today’s dollars of $1.2 B for the combined congestion-priced lanes and bus rapid transit (BRT) system and an additional $0.6 B for the truck-only lanes. This is significantly less than GDOT’s estimate for similar improvements to the corridor due to the extended construction schedule under traditional finance and delivery methods. As the project is better defined through the environmental process, GDOT and GTP will continue to update and refine the cost estimate.

13) How will the project be funded?

The project will be financed using a mixture of federal and state funds as well as toll-backed revenue bonds.

14) Will the entire system be tolled and how much will the toll cost?

As proposed by GTP, only drivers using the congestion priced or truck-only lanes will pay a toll, but all drivers in the corridor will benefit from reduced congestion on the existing “free” general purpose lanes. Actual toll rates may vary depending on time of day, direction of travel and level of congestion. Prices will be set based on a congestion-pricing formula to maintain free-flow traffic in the new toll lanes, even during rush hour. Preliminary studies indicate that toll rates could range from less than 10 cents per mile off-peak to 40 cents per mile during peak periods, or $1.00 to $4.00 for a typical 10-mile trip.

15) Who will set the toll prices? How will tolls be collected?

Toll rates will be set by the state at levels calculated to ensure free flow in the proposed congestion-priced lanes, even during rush hour. Tolls will be collected electronically at highway speeds, eliminating the need for toll booths. The state will receive all toll money that is collected.

16) Who will own the facility and oversee toll collection, maintenance and repairs, etc.?

While some functions may be provided by private contractors, the state will own the proposed congestion-priced lanes and oversee the management, operations, maintenance of the roadway, and collection of the tolls.

17) Where else have congestion-priced toll lanes been used?

California and Texas were the first states to implement congestion-priced toll lanes. Many other states are already using or are now considering using this method to increase roadway capacity and provide consistent travel times.

18) How will this project affect truckers?

If the truck-only lanes option is included in the final plan, commercial trucks will use barrier-separated, truck-only toll lanes on I-75 in the Northwest Corridor. These lanes may be utilized by “through-trucks” with three or more axles and may be tolled during certain times of the day. This option seeks to improve safety by separating heavy trucks from automobile traffic and provides truckers with faster and more reliable travel times through the region--offsetting the toll costs.

19) When will construction begin and end?

Based on the schedule established for the on-going environmental process, construction could begin as early as 2008 after completion of the environmental study, preliminary engineering and other development activities. Depending on which options are included, construction could be completed in the 2011 to 2013 time frame, 10 to 20 years earlier than the currently planned GDOT/GRTA project.

20) Why is now the best time to begin this project?

The metropolitan Atlanta area population is forecast to grow by more than 2.5 million people in the next 20 years. With peak-hour traffic already at gridlock levels in major corridors, the need for improved transportation systems and transportation alternatives becomes more critical daily. These improvements are not only vital for improved quality of life but are necessary if the Metro Atlanta region is to maintain its competitive business edge in the Southeast.

21) Will there be disruption of traffic due to construction?

Because this proposal includes the construction of new lanes and possibly the re-construction of existing lanes, traffic may be affected in the existing lanes on I-75 or I-575 and the adjacent interchanges. GTP will follow GDOT guidelines to maintain traffic flow and minimize lane closures.

22) How will GTP be sensitive to the environment and local communities?

One of the key components of GDOT’s environmental review process is public involvement. GTP will continue this pro-active public involvement approach by providing public information and opportunities for public input from individuals, stakeholders and the community throughout the project. GTP will actively explore design solutions that are acceptable to the communities affected. This approach will continue into the construction phase to minimize disruptions to businesses, residents, and the traveling public. GTP’s proposal does not change the normal GDOT-led environmental process or requirements for protecting the environment and encouraging community involvement.

Active PPI Proposals: I-75 / I-575 Northwest Corridor

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