Akers Mill Ramp

The newest access point for the I-75 NW Express Lanes System

The Cumberland CID serves as a major commercial activity center and one of the largest employment centers in the state. Cumberland is experiencing tremendous growth which includes six class A office towers, 84,000 jobs, 30,000 residents, and the Atlanta Braves’ $1.3 billion stadium and The Battery Atlanta.

To accommodate the rapid growth taking place along the entire corridor, former Governor Deal and the Georgia Department of Transportation undertook and delivered one of the biggest public infrastructure investments in the state’s history; the $900 million Northwest Express Lanes system. This 29.7-mile reversible toll lane project opened to traffic in September 2018 and has significantly benefited those who travel I-75 and I-575. In the first year, more than 4.2 million trips were registered posting travel speeds 30% faster than the general purpose lanes. With this new Ramp, over 100,000+ daily commuters will have safe and direct access into Cumberland.

Completing the I-75 Northwest Express Lanes System

As designed, drivers who wish to access the Express Lanes at the closest point in Cumberland are required to quickly maneuver four to five lane changes in I-75 traffic in a very short distance. Given I-75’s traffic volumes, this presents an unsafe condition. Drivers in search of a safer alternative are forced to drive to a different access point several miles to the north, south, east, or west of Cumberland, further hampering traffic conditions along the surface streets.

The Akers Mill Ramp will provide safe and direct access into the I-75 NW Express Lanes System.

Benefits of the Ramp

“We have seen tremendous usage of the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes since their opening in 2018. One of our goals at the Georgia DOT is to ensure the projects we are completing improve safety for Georgia motorists. By creating this new access point, commuters will have a safer and more efficient way to access the Express Lanes system from the Cumberland area.”

-Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell McMurry.

100,000

The Ramp will provide access into Cumberland for over 100,000 daily commuters.

12

The Ramp will be the newest of 12 access points for the
I-75 Northwest Express Lanes System.

Six

The Ramp will serve six Class-A office towers in the Galleria Office Complex.

Reversible

The Ramp will be 24-feet wide for the reversible lanes plus break-down shoulders and will widen to 50-feet at Akers Mill. It will include a barrier separated entrance to the northbound managed lanes.

Funding Parters

The Akers Mill Ramp is a $44 million project that was a joint effort between many partners. See below sources of funding from each partner.

Cumberland CID

$6.3 Million

Cobb County (via SPLOST)

$15 Million

State Road & Tollway Authority

$3.5 Million

Georgia Department of Transportation

$4.4 Million (via waved fees)

Atlanta Regional Commission

$10 Million

U.S. Department of Transportation

$5 Million (via INFRA)

Play Video

Akers Mill Ramp Groundbreaking

The Cumberland CID in partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Akers Mill Ramp in October of 2021.

The event was held on the Akers Mill Bridge and featured Governor Brian Kemp, U.S. Representative Lucy McBath, GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry, State Road & Tollway Authority Executive Director Chris Tomlinson, Cobb Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, and Atlanta Regional Commission’s Mike Alexander.

View a recap of the groundbreaking by clicking play on the video.

Timeline

2014

Project identified as part of I-75 NW Express Lanes System.

2018

Funds assembled and support secured from partner organizations.

2019

U.S. DOT INFRA Grant awarded. Final funding needed for project.

2021

Groundbreaking for the Ramp, construction began.

2024

Estimated construction complete by end of 2024.

Project Location

After finalizing funding, construction began on the Akers Mill Ramp in the summer of 2021. The Ramp will complete the I-75 NW Express Lanes, one of the most successful infrastructure projects in Georgia’s history. It is scheduled to be open to the in 2023 providing direct, safe access for more than 100,000 daily commuters.