Toll Lanes Open on Interstate 85

ATLANTA - Big changes are in store for drivers as new toll lanes open in portions of Gwinnett and DeKalb County.  The current HOV lanes will be converted to Peach Pass express lanes.

Drivers using the express lane on portions of Interstate 85 in Gwinnett and DeKalb County will have to have the new Peach Pass. Drivers will not be able to use the Peach Pass lanes unless they have the Peach Pass.

New signs will emphasize the color purple as the state implements the new express toll lanes. Other signs will tell drivers the cost to reach the next toll-lane exit point and the cost to use the express lane until it ends.

The change will convert HOV lanes to toll lanes on Interstate 85 from Chamblee Tucker Road near Spaghetti Junction to old Peachtree Road.

Drivers put electronic tags called Peach Passes on their windshields and use pre-paid accounts. They can register different settings to reflect times when they have passengers.

Drivers who use the new toll lanes will end up paying 10 to 90 cents per mile depending on congestion of regular lanes. The state says technology will be in place to monitor and enforce the toll-lane rules.

The maximum price if someone drives the entire length of the toll lane from Old Peachtree Road to Chamblee Tucker Road at peak time is reportedly $14.40 -- one way.

A camera will capture drivers in the express lane with the Peach Pass and send violators a fine of $25 plus the price of the toll.

More than 73,000 Peach Passes have been distributed so far, according to officials.

Officials said Friday during a news conference that the $182 million project was completed on time and under budget.

For information on how to register for a Peach Pass, click here.