Georgia Gov. Deal Wants to Spend $10 Billion on Regional Transportation

Greg Bluestein and Andria Simmons report: "A sweeping plan to transform commuting in metro Atlanta by expanding the region’s toll lane network – including a multibillion-dollar expansion of I-285 and Ga. 400 – is on the fast track to reality."

"The lanes are part of a larger plan — bankrolled by an historic transportation bill (House Bill 170) passed by lawmakers last year — that includes $10 billion worth of new highway, bridge and road improvement projects statewide," add the reporters. "In just the next 18 months, it will pay for the resurfacing of over 2,500 miles of state routes and interstates, the replacement of 118 bridges, the rehabilitation of 300 bridges, the widening of 36 roads, and the upgrading of 109 intersections."

Gov. Deal's soundbites from the announcement event for the plan promise shorter commute times and safer roads. Atlanta's regional transportation system experienced an infamous meltdown two years ago when a snow storm left many drivers stranded for multiple days.  Deal's plan seems to respond, at least in part, to the need for regional transportation planning that became apparent in that episode.