GRTA buses have been using the shoulders to avoid the worst traffic congestion for several years, but now in two southbound sections of Ga. 400 all motorists will have the same opportunity.

Beginning Monday, May 14 the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will allow southbound motorists to drive on the outside (far right) shoulder lane of the most congested sections along Georgia 400 during morning commute hours.  This will be in effect at two locations:

• Between the Holcomb Bridge Road and Northridge Road exits
• Between the Northridge Road and the North Springs MARTA Station exits.

But don't try this on weekends or after the morning rush hour. The roadway shoulders will be accessible for commuting only from 6:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m., Mondays through Friday.

Drivers entering southbound Ga. 400 from Holcomb Bridge Road during these times will have two dedicated entrance ramp lanes. At the Northridge entrance ramp, there will be one lane from which drivers will merge as usual into the right thru lane and then move to utilize the right shoulder lane if they choose.  GDOT is placing signage throughout the corridor to guide motorists.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is warning all Georgia 400 commuters to pay careful attention to changing traffic patterns in the affected areas.