Russell McMurry outlines $4.7 billion Georgia road plan

Georgia is securing billions in new infrastructure money, but local leaders want to know how that cash translates to fewer hours spent in traffic. On November 4, Russell McMurry, the commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation, addressed the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce to provide specific timelines and cost breakdowns for major regional projects.

The state has allocated nearly $4.7 billion in additional transportation funding over a three-year period. McMurry explained that this money supports several large-scale initiatives, most notably the State Route 400 express lanes project, which is valued at $4.6 billion. This specific project is being financed through future toll revenue. He also presented plans for the I-285 East Express Lanes, where the first phase is estimated to cost $8.9 billion to construct. That private financing model includes a proposed $23.6 billion concession payment to the state.

McMurry highlighted a planned connection between the I-85 and I-285 express lane systems, a feature that would streamline travel for many commuters. He also discussed transit improvements, such as new bus lanes on State Route 400 and upgrades to intersections to help public transit vehicles move through heavy traffic.

State Route 316 received a large share of the attention during the presentation. The amended fiscal year 2026 budget includes $185 million for interchange conversions along that corridor. McMurry outlined work to address the remaining 12 intersections on the route, with the full program targeted for completion by 2031. The Hi Hope Road interchange, costing $53 million, is expected to finish in May 2029. A separate project extending from Cedars Road toward Sugarloaf Parkway, valued at approximately $80 million, is scheduled for completion that September.

Funding shifts have also accelerated other work in the area. Additional money moved the Williams Farm project near Rowen up by one year and advanced the Drowning Creek Road overpass by two fiscal years. Other updates included a $31 million widening project on State Route 124 between U.S. 78 and Ronald Reagan Parkway, planned for fiscal year 2029.

McMurry also detailed improvements around Hamilton Mill Road and State Route 124, as well as widening projects on State Routes 211 and 20. A $10.5 million project at the intersection of Jimmy Carter Boulevard and Buford Highway will add through lanes and dual left-turn lanes. Former DOT board member Rudy Bowen and current District 4 member Steve Henson were present at the luncheon, which was presented by Northside Hospital.

The presentation tied these financial figures to daily business operations, noting that reliable commutes and access for customers and products depend on these construction timelines. The specific dates and dollar amounts outlined by McMurry provide a clear roadmap for the work planned on Gwinnett roads through the end of the decade.