The Georgia Department of Transportation has awarded more than $31.3 million for 16 construction projects across the state, including $11.7 million for the conversion of 16 mi.(25.7km) of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes to high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes in Gwinnett and Dekalb counties.

The HOV to HOT project was awarded to World Fiber Technologies Inc., of Alpharetta, for $11,721,523. The I-85 Express Lanes project will install 18 mi.(29km) of fiber and signage along Interstate Highway 85 between Chamblee Tucker Road and Old Peachtree Road and along State Route 316 between its intersection with I-85 and Riverside Parkway.

When completed a year from now, the HOT lanes will offer more choices to all motorists, including single occupant vehicles and more reliable trip times in the corridor. Transit buses, motorcycles, alternative fueled vehicles and vehicles with three or more passengers will be allowed to use the inside (left) HOT lane for free, while single- and double-occupant vehicles will be allowed to use the lane if they choose to pay a variably priced toll.

Other projects awarded by the Department include two major bridge projects — one at Lake Lanier in Forsyth and Hall counties and the other on State Route 3 Alternate north of Thomasville in South Georgia.

“All of theses projects, especially the HOV to HOT conversion and the two bridges, are representative of Georgia DOT’s determination to find ways to enhance mobility and always, always maintain safety, even though our budget continues to shrink,” Georgia Transportation Commissioner Vance C. Smith, Jr.

The Lake Lanier bridge project — a $586,000 rehabilitation of the State Route 53/Dawsonville Highway span across the Chestatee River at the Forsyth/Hall county line — is expected to require a complete closure of the bridge for eight consecutive weekends beginning in September. A temporary, but major, reduction in mobility in the area will result.

Details on the Thomas County project, as well as all other awarded, are available at: http://tomcat2.dot.state.ga.us/ContractsAdministration/uploads/A1007161.pdf

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