The I-85 HOT lanes have drawn criticism from some motorists and some officials said many people can't afford to pay them. (Photo Courtesy of Ian Britton via FreeFoto.)
Gov. Nathan Deal had pushed for the change in the so-called HOT lane project in parts of Gwinnett and DeKalb counties just northeast of Atlanta.
The lower rate applies only to off-peak hours, and the toll during rush hours will still fluctuate based on traffic volume. The off-peak hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., evenings from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and weekends starting Friday night at 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. on Mondays.
The toll lanes have drawn criticism from some motorists. State Sen. Renee Unterman, a Buford Republican, says many people can't afford to pay them.
