January 2025

The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) and the Cumberland CID opened the Akers Mill Access Ramp on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, a new Cumberland area access ramp to the popular Northwest Corridor Express Lanes from Akers Mill Road over Interstate 75.

“We have seen tremendous usage of the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes since their opening in 2018 with travel times 27 percent faster than the general-purpose lanes,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell McMurry. “By creating this new access point, commuters will have a more efficient way to access the Express Lanes system from the Cumberland area.”

The Northwest Corridor Express Lanes are dynamically priced, tolled lanes offering drivers a reliable alternative to bypass congestion. Managed by the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA), access to the lanes requires an active Peach Pass or an interoperable toll pass, such as E-ZPass, Sun Pass, E-Pass, or Quick Pass.

The construction of the ramp was made possible through funding contributions from federal, state, and local sources, including the Atlanta Regional Commission, Georgia DOT, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (operated by SRTA), Cobb County, and the Cumberland CID.

“Considering the economic vitality of the Cumberland area, the State Road and Tollway Authority was proud to include this project in our investment portfolio,” said SRTA Executive Director Jannine Miller. “Cumberland CID has been leading in transportation innovation for decades, and the completion of this impactful project is another example of how we can collectively bring value to Georgia’s businesses.”

Located along I-75, the Cumberland area is Atlanta’s fifth-largest job center and a major cultural and entertainment destination, contributing $26.6 billion annually to Georgia’s economy. With over 3,700 businesses and 31,000 residents, the new ramp is expected to improve traffic flow to popular destinations within the district.

Bob Voyles, Chairman of the Cumberland CID Board of Directors, called the ramp’s opening a “landmark achievement” for the community. “This significant infrastructure investment by our commercial property owners and partners will give commuters a direct access point in and out of the heart of the Cumberland market, completing the successful I-75 NW Corridor Express Lane project,” Voyles said.

The new ramp spans 0.7 miles, beginning approximately 400 feet south of the existing Akers Mill Bridge over I-75 and ending 275 feet south of the Windy Ridge Parkway Bridge. It includes a 24-foot-wide reversible lane, breakdown shoulders, and a barrier-separated entrance to the northbound managed lanes.

C.W. Matthews served as the lead construction contractor, with GDOT overseeing project management and operations. GDOT Traffic Operations will handle the “Go-Live” coordination, while SRTA will manage tolling and facilitate ramp access.

“The Atlanta Regional Commission was proud to partner with the Cumberland CID and allocate funding for this project, which will improve mobility and safety in one of the region’s most important economic hubs,” said Anna Roach, ARC Executive Director and CEO. “This is another example of the Cumberland CID’s commitment to making the innovative investments needed to keep this fast-growing area a great place to live, work, and play.”

The Cumberland CID held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 22nd. Below is a recap video and photos from the event.

Photos from the ribbon-cutting.