Georgia DOT Announces $1.5 Billion Investment for Major Transportation Upgrades, Including I-75 Improvements
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) announced details today on transportation programs and projects funded by a $1.5 billion investment from Gov. Brian P. Kemp’s amended Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 24) budget, recently approved by the Georgia General Assembly.
“Over the last few years, we’ve welcomed unprecedented job creation to all regions of the Peach State, and this funding will ensure our already reliable infrastructure network can meet the needs of that incredible growth,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “I want to thank the Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House, and members of the General Assembly for their support of this generational investment as we work together to keep Georgia the best state for opportunity. In the months and years ahead, hardworking Georgians will see further improvements to the roads and bridges they drive each day.”
The additional funding will advance preliminary engineering for two projects in Congressional District 13. The first project involves I-75 Express Lanes from I-675 to south of State Route 155 in Henry County. The second project will modify ramps and add collector-distributor lanes in Clayton County, connecting State Route 331 (Forest Parkway) to I-285. Both projects aim to improve operational efficiency and mobility along I-75.
The investment also includes:
- Airport Aid ($98 million): Advancing improvements at general aviation airports (excluding Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport), a 372% increase.
- Local Roads Funding ($250 million): A 117% increase for local transportation investments.
- Capital Construction ($593 million): A 58% increase for managing cost increases and expediting projects, advancing 24 projects by a total of 43 years.
- Capital Maintenance ($50 million): A 32% increase to resurface state highways.
- Freight Program ($500 million): A new program with 18 projects focused on improving freight-carrying infrastructure.
The $500 million Georgia Freight Program aims to enhance efficiency, safety, and reliability for freight transportation, responding to anticipated growth in freight movement. A GDOT report predicts nearly doubling freight movement in the next 25 years, which will increase traffic congestion and product costs.
An initial portion of the funds will be used for 42 critical Freight and Capital Construction projects, with 19 being new projects. Approximately 80% of these funds will go directly to construction, accelerating project timelines by more than 40 years.
“As Georgia continues to add new industries and businesses, and an influx of people that now call Georgia home, the state’s approach to transportation must strive to meet the evolving needs both today and, in the future,” said GDOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry, P.E. “We’re grateful for the forward-thinking of Gov. Kemp and the Georgia Legislature as we work to maintain and grow our transportation network, promote further economic growth, prioritize freight movement in and around the state, and provide safe travel for all users.”
