A car drives along a wide divided highway bordered by trees, with an exit sign on the right shoulder. — Georgia 400 drivers will eventually be able to choose between free lanes and new express toll lanes designed to provide a more predictable trip.

Drivers in Alpharetta, Roswell and South Forsyth will eventually face a new choice on Georgia 400: stay in the free lanes or pay to use express lanes designed to offer a more predictable trip.

The existing general-purpose lanes will remain free. The project adds optional toll lanes alongside them, rather than charging everyone who uses the highway.

Where will the lanes run?

The approximately 16-mile project extends from the North Springs MARTA station in Sandy Springs to just north of McFarland Parkway in Forsyth County.

Plans call for two express lanes in each direction between North Springs and McGinnis Ferry Road, then one in each direction through the northern end of the project. For South Forsyth drivers, that means the express-lane corridor ends around McFarland, well south of downtown Cumming.

Georgia DOT’s project schedule and frequently asked questions anticipate opening in 2031. That remains a projected date.

How much will a trip cost?

There will not be one fixed price for every trip. The lanes will use congestion-based pricing, with tolls adjusted as traffic conditions change.

The purpose is to manage how many vehicles enter the express lanes, helping them keep moving during busy periods. Drivers will see the price before entering and decide whether the trip is worth it.

A Peach Pass or another accepted toll transponder will be required. Drivers should not assume that carpool exemptions on other highways automatically apply to Georgia 400; rules differ among express-lane systems.

Will this bring MARTA farther north?

The project includes infrastructure for planned bus rapid transit connecting North Springs with the Windward Parkway Park and Ride in Alpharetta.

MARTA’s Georgia 400 transit project would connect those buses with the existing rail system at North Springs. The proposal uses buses in the express lanes; it does not extend MARTA’s rail tracks to Alpharetta.

What should drivers expect before opening?

Construction will continue for several years, with work occurring during the day and overnight. Lane closures, traffic shifts and changes around interchanges can affect familiar routes.

For the daily commute, the most useful resource is the Georgia DOT project website, which carries construction information and links to project alerts. Check those notices before relying on the same entrance, exit or travel time every day.

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Filed under Alpharetta express lanes georgia 400 Roswell south forsyth