Source: VORTEX Control

While construction is already moving forward on Georgia's $4.7B SR400 Express Lanes project, attention is rapidly shifting to the next generation of mega-projects.

Three major PPP procurements are attracting the world's largest infrastructure developers:

I-285 East Express Lanes (Atlanta, Georgia) – Project Update

The I-285 East Express Lanes project is currently one of the largest transportation procurements in the United States.

Location
Eastern section of I-285 (Atlanta Perimeter), extending from the Henderson Road area south toward I-20, while connecting with the future SR-400 Express Lanes network in metro Atlanta.

Estimated Value
Industry estimates place the full corridor investment at approximately $7.6 billion, making it one of Georgia's most significant transportation infrastructure programs.

Scope
• Addition of new barrier-separated express toll lanes.
• Major interchange reconstructions.
• Integration with the SR-400 Express Lanes corridor.
• New tolling infrastructure, operations and long-term maintenance.
• Designed to create a continuous managed lanes network around northern Atlanta.

Procurement Model
Delivered as a Public-Private Partnership (P3), including design, construction, financing, operations, maintenance and toll collection responsibilities.

Shortlisted Teams
• ACS Infrastructure / Acciona / Meridiam
• Ferrovial (Cintra) / Transurban / Star America
• Sacyr / Plenary / Shikun & Binui
• Additional international consortiums including major P3 investors and contractors.

Current Status
• Environmental approvals (NEPA) completed.
• Teams are advancing through the RFP phase.
• Final proposals are expected during 2026.
• Contract award is anticipated during 2026, making this one of the most closely watched infrastructure procurements in North America.

The project is especially significant because it follows the recent SR-400 Express Lanes award and represents the next major step in Georgia's long-term strategy to expand managed lanes throughout the Atlanta region.

I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes (Nashville, Tennessee) – Project Update

The I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes project is one of the largest highway procurements currently underway in the United States and represents Tennessee's first major managed lanes Public-Private Partnership (P3).

Location

The project extends approximately 26 miles along I-24, connecting downtown Nashville with Murfreesboro through Davidson and Rutherford Counties, one of the most congested transportation corridors in Tennessee.

Estimated Value

The initial concession segment is estimated to include $2.7–$2.9 billion in construction costs, with future extensions planned toward I-840 that could significantly increase the total program value.

Scope

• Addition of two new managed (tolled) lanes in each direction.
• Reconstruction of major interchanges and corridor improvements.
• Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and tolling infrastructure.
• Long-term operations and maintenance responsibilities.
• Potential future expansion south toward I-840 under the concession structure.

Procurement Model

TDOT is delivering the project as its first long-term revenue-risk concession, including design, construction, financing, operations and maintenance. This makes it one of the most significant transportation P3 procurements currently active in North America.

Shortlisted Teams

Industry reports indicate that the shortlisted teams include major international infrastructure developers involving:

• ACS / Dragados / Flatiron consortium interests
• Acciona
• Ferrovial (Cintra)
• Sacyr
• FCC-related participation through consortium partners

Several global infrastructure funds are also involved as equity partners.

Current Status (May 2026)

• Environmental Assessment remains under FHWA review.
• Public hearings were held in March 2026.
• Final procurement phase is underway.
• Proposals are expected during 2026, with award anticipated following environmental approvals.

The significance of I-24 goes beyond its size. It is Tennessee's first Choice Lanes concession and could become the model for future managed lane projects on I-65, I-75 and other major corridors across the state.

BREAKING NEWS: Is the I-77 South Express Lanes Project Dead?

One of the largest highway procurements in the United States may have just been stopped.

In a surprising turn of events, the Charlotte City Council voted 6-5 to withdraw support for the I-77 South Express Lanes project, and just days later the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) followed with a supermajority vote rescinding its support as well. The project is now widely considered stalled and potentially cancelled unless a new political and funding path emerges.

Location

The project would expand approximately 11 miles of I-77 South from Uptown Charlotte to the South Carolina state line, one of the region's busiest commuter corridors.

Estimated Value

Approximately $3.2 billion, making it one of the largest transportation projects ever planned in North Carolina.

Scope

• New managed express toll lanes in both directions.
• Major interchange improvements.
• Reconstruction of key sections through Charlotte.
• Intelligent transportation systems and tolling infrastructure.
• Long-term operations and maintenance under a P3 concession model.

Procurement Model

The project was being delivered as a Public-Private Partnership (P3), similar to other major managed lane projects across the United States, with private financing playing a critical role in project delivery.

Expected Bidders

Industry reports had identified teams involving:

• ACS / Dragados / Flatiron
• Acciona
• Ferrovial (Cintra)
• Sacyr

Several major infrastructure investment funds were also expected to participate. These same developers are actively pursuing the I-285 East (Georgia) and I-24 Choice Lanes (Tennessee) procurements.

Current Status (May 2026)

❌ Charlotte City Council rescinded support.
❌ CRTPO voted to withdraw support.
❌ NCDOT warns approximately $700 million in state funding could be redirected elsewhere.
❌ Procurement process effectively halted.

While legal and political discussions may continue, most observers currently consider the project dead or indefinitely delayed.

The outcome is remarkable. Just months ago, I-77 South was considered one of the most attractive managed lanes opportunities in North America. Today, it serves as a reminder that even billion-dollar infrastructure projects can be stopped by politics, public opposition, and community concerns.