Will You Be Paying To Drive In The I-85 Express Lanes?

Motorists might want to enjoy the last free, relatively comfortable, work-week commute on I-85 – especially if they’re used to driving two-up in the HOV lane.

. The new express lanes scheduled to come on line Saturday are supposed to improve the traffic flow on the Interstate. However, according to a report in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, traffic woes for the regular Joe not looking to dig into his wallet could, in fact, get worse.

The AJC cites a study by the state that found traffic in regular lanes is likely to get worse as a result of the project, the purpose of which was to improve traffic flow for those who car pool, ride vehicles less likely to impact the environment or alternatively are prepared to pay.

The state’s study reportedly found regular lanes are expected to gain up to 90 new vehicles, per lane, per hour, in some high traffic locations. This is partly because two-car vehicles that used to be able to drive in the HOV lane for free, will now have to decide whether it’s worth paying for the privilege. Depending on traffic flow, that could cost anything from 10 to 90 cents a mile. That might not sound like much, but at maximum congestion a driver could end up paying $25 for a round trip in the express lanes.

Drivers prepared to do that, or who qualify to drive in the express lanes for free, will need to have a Peach Pass before Saturday in order to do so. According to state officials, about 1,000 Peach Passes a day have been issued in the lead up to the launch.

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