Governor Deal Announces Early End to GA 400 Toll, Hopes Move Will Help Pass T-SPLOST

The roadway, which links Atlanta to the northern suburbs, is primarily known for rush hour traffic and the 50-cent tolls.

The toll booths were supposed to be removed after 20 years at the end of 2010, but it was extended under Governor Sonny Perdue’s administration for another seven years to pay for new improvements along the corridor.

Perdue’s decision was seen by many Atlantans as a broken promise.

Republican State Representative and Majority Whip Edward Lindsey represents north Fulton and welcomed the decision.

“I’m ecstatic. This is one government project that I’m happy to have out of my district. It’s been one of the top complaints I’ve received from my constituents whenever we talk about transportation.”

The timing of the announcement wasn’t lost on anyone at the press conference. It comes just 12 days before the July 31^st transportation referendum. Deal, who supports the T-SPLOST, says he hopes the move will help build voter confidence before that pivotal vote.

“The important linkage is one of the arguments against the T-SPLOST has been you can’t trust government to do what it says it will do,” said Deal. “I want to remove that impression and I think this is a good faith effort to do exactly that.”

Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers, who has broken rank among Republican leaders and come out against the T-SPLOST, says phasing out the Georgia 400 toll is a great move, but he’s still voting “no” on July 31^st. 

“The T-SPLOST should – I think personally – should either pass or fail based on the list and the amount of money going to that list,” said Rogers. “For today’s purposes I’m just very happy the Governor did what he did and appreciate his efforts in righting a wrong.”

Transportation officials say the state will pay off its total bond debt for Georgia 400 by the end of 2013 with excess motor fuel funds.