Construction work zone safety key theme for I-285/SR400 project in Atlanta

This action along with the reduction of speed limits, crash trucks and changeable message signs will ensure safety in this construction work zone in Atlanta, Georgia. Communication with local first responders is imperative since construction started on the I-285/SR 400 Reconstruction Project in Atlanta, Georgia. North Perimeter Contractors, LLC. and the Georgia Department of Transportation met with the Sandy Springs Police Department, Dunwoody Police Department and GDOT Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO).   The meeting was held to discuss the current and upcoming construction work zone safety measures, including schedules and traffic control methods. The information provided to first responders can help them navigate through the construction work zone when responding to emergencies. First responders received a detailed schedule outlining the times for single and multiple lane closures on the interstate and local roads. General timeframes for upcoming construction activity were also provided for each segment of the highway project. NPC showed first responders the construction phasing for the collector-distributer lanes along I-285 and State Route 400. NPC staff told first responders most of the construction will occur adjacent to the current travel lanes with some work occurring in the median. Working with the first responders to ensure safety will require continuous communication between NPC and the Georgia DOT. Together, each entity will work to enhance safety during construction of the I-285/SR 400 Reconstruction Project. NPC will coordinate and communicate with first responders 21 days before traffic shifts, detours and major work via email. NPC employs off-duty officers to assist with lane closures. NPC also uses crash trucks at the beginning and end of an established lane closures to protect crews from traffic. NPC's Traffic Control Manager, Dean Conrad constantly communicates with the Georgia DOT Transportation Management Center (TMC) to alert them about nightly lane closures. Georgia DOT improves safety in the construction work zone by reducing the speed limit on SR 400 and I-285. GDOT also uses changeable message signs to inform the traveling public about lane closures in the area. First responders committed to removing car crashes that may occur within the project limits in a reasonable time frame. Local law enforcement will issues traffic tickets and fines to motorists speeding through the work zone.

About the The I-285/SR 400 highway project

The I-285/SR 400 Reconstruction project The I-285/SR 400 Interchange Improvement Project will improve 4.3 miles of I-285 from west of Roswell Road to east of Ashford-Dunwoody Road and 6.2 miles along SR400 highway from the Glenridge Connector to Spalding Drive. The Improvements include eastbound and westbound collector-distributor lanes on I-285 and northbound and southbound collector-distributer lanes on SR 400. The highway project is financed through a tax-exempt loan through Bank of America for $458 million (403 M/€) maturing in 2022. This is the first time this funding method has been used in the United States for a public-private partnership design, build and finance project.