As one of the approximately 14 total drivers who randomly take advantage of the paid Express Lanes on I-85 north of Atlanta, I found this news to be of interest.
In case you might know one of the other 13 Express Lane users, please repost this news all over the dang Internet. Thank you.
Public meetings will be held for citizens to express (get it?) their opinions about the possibility of extending the northbound and southbound I-85 Express Lanes from Old Peachtree Road to Hamilton Mill Road. The project would include newly constructed lanes for the full distance of the extension.
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will hold Public Information Open Houses (PIOHs) in Jackson County and northern Gwinnett County.
Here is the schedule for the EIEIOs:
GWINNETT COUNTY
Thursday, March 21, 2013
4:00 – 7:00 PM
Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Gwinnett Center Atrium
6500 Sugarloaf Parkway
Duluth, Georgia 30097
JACKSON COUNTY
Thursday, March 28, 2013
4:00 – 7:00 PM
Braselton Police & Municipal Court Bldg.
5040 Highway 53
Braselton, GA 30517
All vehicles, including those designated as “toll-exempt,” must be registered on an active Peach Pass account and have a Peach Pass transponder mounted inside or on the vehicle to use the I-85 Express Lanes.
Do Express Lane users always arrive faster than regular traffic? No. I am, however, personally willing to pay the usual fee of (hello?) thirteen cents when I am forced to drive to the Urban Wasteland south of Lake Lanier.
Why? Because I enjoy the ride. I set my cruise control, put on the radio and have my very own lane. No wackos cutting me off … passing me and then slamming on their brakes … or suddenly slithering across 91 lanes of traffic while applying lipstick, texting their insignificant others, eating breakfast/lunch and cleaning up coffee spills caused by trading paint with innocent commuters. It is the most peace you can buy for a few pennies.
On behalf of the Fellowship of the Express Lanes, allow me to thank all other drivers for not clogging our private expressway.
