Ferrovial said the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) chose its consortium to develop the first section of Atlanta’s I-285 East Express Lanes, which carries an $8.9 billion Phase 1 design and construction estimate.
Atlanta News First reported that the Georgia State Transportation Board approved the selection on Oct. 15, naming the group the apparent best-value proposer. Top End Mobility Group includes Tikehau Star Infra and would oversee funding, engineering, construction, operation and upkeep under a long-term agreement, Ferrovial said. The company lists I-85 and SR 400 as roads Phase 1 would connect with.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and WSB-TV reported that the proposal offers Georgia a $23.6 billion concession fee and $515 million to reimburse costs incurred to date. They said the consortium would receive toll revenue for 50 years. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the concession fee would be divided into six equal annual installments after financial close.
GDOT’s project-delivery fact sheet places shortfall exposure on the private partner if toll receipts fail to recoup its investment. The department presents private capital as a way to limit reliance on public funds. Plans call for express lanes separated from general traffic by barriers, while existing free general-purpose lanes would remain. GDOT says transit riders and state-registered vanpools could use the express lanes without an additional toll.
Ferrovial describes Phase 1 as about 21 miles, while the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and WSB-TV put it at roughly 19 to 20 miles. For the full network, Ferrovial estimates 37.5 miles of new lanes in each direction; local reports give an estimate of about 34 miles. The reports do not explain how their measurements or project scopes differ.
Ferrovial also said GDOT would work exclusively with Top End Mobility Group under a separate agreement to advance later phases. The first phase is projected to open in 2034, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and WSB-TV reported.
