Georgia Plans $1.8B Investment to Alleviate Traffic Congestion on Interstate 75

Georgia’s governor announced plans on Wednesday to allocate $1.8 billion aimed at alleviating one of Atlanta’s notorious traffic bottlenecks. This initiative focuses on enhancing the most vital highway connecting the Midwest to Florida.

Republican Governor Brian Kemp, who is in his final year of office, is advocating for the construction of additional toll express lanes on Interstate 75, particularly in Atlanta’s southern suburbs. Currently, a 12-mile stretch (19 kilometers) of I-75 in Henry and Clayton counties features reversible express lanes. Kemp’s proposal seeks to add a dedicated lane in each direction to improve traffic flow.

While some states are exploring transit alternatives and other solutions, Kemp emphasizes that Georgia must continue expanding its highway infrastructure to foster economic growth in Atlanta, the state’s economic powerhouse. Following a dip in traffic during the pandemic, congestion has surged back in the metro area, which is home to over 6 million residents. The state is already investing in additional toll lanes and major interchange renovations on Interstate 285, Atlanta’s loop highway.

“These issues are also undermining our economic development prospects, with business leaders questioning whether their workers will want to live and commute in that environment,” Kemp stated. “When it comes to traffic congestion, we can’t let our competitors have the upper hand.”

Kemp believes that the introduction of more toll lanes could enhance traffic throughput on I-75 by as much as 70%. During his address to the Georgia Chamber of Commerce at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, he proposed that legislators approve an additional $2.4 billion in infrastructure spending. This funding would be sourced from an amendment to the current year’s budget, utilizing Georgia’s $9 billion surplus.

This proposed budget also includes $200 million earmarked for ongoing improvements to Georgia 316, a key highway linking Atlanta to Kemp’s hometown of Athens. The state has been working to convert this four-lane highway into an access-controlled freeway, with Kemp advocating for the creation of “a true, safe expressway.”

In addition, Kemp aims to allocate $250 million to local governments for road enhancements, $100 million for bridge improvements in rural communities, and $35 million to extend natural gas lines in those areas.

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Topics
Georgia

Georgia’s governor announced plans on Wednesday to allocate $1.8 billion aimed at alleviating one of Atlanta’s notorious traffic bottlenecks. This initiative focuses on enhancing the most vital highway connecting the Midwest to Florida.

Republican Governor Brian Kemp, who is in his final year of office, is advocating for the construction of additional toll express lanes on Interstate 75, particularly in Atlanta’s southern suburbs. Currently, a 12-mile stretch (19 kilometers) of I-75 in Henry and Clayton counties features reversible express lanes. Kemp’s proposal seeks to add a dedicated lane in each direction to improve traffic flow.

While some states are exploring transit alternatives and other solutions, Kemp emphasizes that Georgia must continue expanding its highway infrastructure to foster economic growth in Atlanta, the state’s economic powerhouse. Following a dip in traffic during the pandemic, congestion has surged back in the metro area, which is home to over 6 million residents. The state is already investing in additional toll lanes and major interchange renovations on Interstate 285, Atlanta’s loop highway.

“These issues are also undermining our economic development prospects, with business leaders questioning whether their workers will want to live and commute in that environment,” Kemp stated. “When it comes to traffic congestion, we can’t let our competitors have the upper hand.”

Kemp believes that the introduction of more toll lanes could enhance traffic throughput on I-75 by as much as 70%. During his address to the Georgia Chamber of Commerce at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, he proposed that legislators approve an additional $2.4 billion in infrastructure spending. This funding would be sourced from an amendment to the current year’s budget, utilizing Georgia’s $9 billion surplus.

This proposed budget also includes $200 million earmarked for ongoing improvements to Georgia 316, a key highway linking Atlanta to Kemp’s hometown of Athens. The state has been working to convert this four-lane highway into an access-controlled freeway, with Kemp advocating for the creation of “a true, safe expressway.”

In addition, Kemp aims to allocate $250 million to local governments for road enhancements, $100 million for bridge improvements in rural communities, and $35 million to extend natural gas lines in those areas.

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Topics
Georgia