Proposed Express Lanes Could Impact Sandy Springs Schools

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — The Fulton County School System is anxiously awaiting details from the Georgia Department of Transportation on how a massive project to build express lanes along Ga. 400 and Interstate 285 will impact its Sandy Springs schools.

The school board at a recent work session received preliminary information about the impact the proposed new lanes could have on the system. The projects are part of GDOT's Major Mobility Investment Program, and would install two express lanes in each direction on I-285 from I-75 to I-85 and on Ga. 400 from I-285 to McFarland Parkway.

Schools bordering both major thoroughfares that are in the crosshairs include Riverwood International Charter School, Sandy Springs Charter Middle School and Dunwoody Springs, Woodland Elementary and Heards Ferry elementary schools. FCS also said a maintenance facility it plans to build near Ga. 400 in Alpharetta and its administrative center on Powers Ferry Road near I-285 could be impacted.

Other areas slated to get express lanes include I-285 between I-20 and I-85 on the east side of metro Atlanta and I-285 from I-75 to I-20 on the west side. You can view a complete list of other Major Mobility Investment Program projects by clicking here.

FCS said when it was first approached by GDOT about its program, the state provided no specific details related to the impact of school system facilities. The Georgia DOT requested a meeting with FCS staff, a gathering that was held Oct. 22. GDOT officials provided concept plans that suggested impacts to the five schools and two administrative buildings.

"Fulton County Schools raised concerns about student and staff safety, particularly how close the express lanes would be to existing school property," the system said.

A revised concept plan produced by GDOT representatives calls for a reduction in overall impact, but FCS adds it remains concerned about the projects and will continue to talk with the state DOT in the near future about these plans. FCS notes the plans presented at the board's November work session were "very preliminary and may change" down the road.

While this isn't technically a Sandy Springs matter, Mayor Rusty Paul said city staff members have talked to the school system about their concerns, and "sound suppression related to these new highways is a concern" not only for schools, but for adjacent neighborhoods.

"We’ve engaged GDOT in conversation, and it is an ongoing discussion as these facilities move toward design phases," Paul added.

A public information open house will be held by GDOT, and FCS said it will provide meeting locations. However, no dates or times have been provided. Once details are confirmed by both parties, the pertinent information will be shared with the community.

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