Tom Warne Report, 29 October 2013
ATLANTA – The elimination of tolling on Georgia 400 next month is expected to increase congestion significantly on the corridor, particularly on the highway inside I-285. Traffic volume is expected to rise up to 18 percent on the corridor.
“We try our best to predict commuter behavior, but in this case, we’re not entirely sure who’s going to take 400 and who isn’t going to take it,” said Georgia DOT spokeswoman Natalie Dale. She said there is the possibility that many commuters who avoided the toll may now take advantage of the free route.
Other commuters may avoid that section of 400 for fear of additional congestion. Dale said those concerned about the potential congestion could take a bus or MARTA, or start a carpool.
The new Buckhead Interchange is scheduled to open in January and will add additional traffic onto northbound Georgia 400.
The State Road & Tollway Authority said uncollected tolls will total $50,000 daily and $20 million annually.
Many of us have studied the expected diversion rates from those avoiding toll facilities. This will be a real life correlation of expected rates. While we will all learn from the experience and removing the tolls will satisfy some people, its dollars to donuts GA 400 will someday be hard pressed for sufficient funds for maintenance and reconstruction. JN