TOLLS * USA - Public-private toll project nears bidding

Atlanta,GA,USA -The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, by Ariel Hart -May 9, 2011: -- For the 90,000 drivers in I-75’s morning rush toward Atlanta each day, the hope of finding a lane that won’t be clogged may be just a few years away... After years of false starts, the state Department of Transportation says it will soon open bidding on the largest transportation contract in state history — a $1 billion project to add 29 miles of reversible lanes alongside I-75 and I-575 in Cobb and Cherokee counties... It is the state’s maiden attempt to build public roads with private investment... But it will come at a cost... Drivers using these lanes will pay in tolls, and all Georgia drivers will pay in tax dollars. Some of the costs may remain secret, at least from the public, until after the final contract is signed... (Photo by Vino Wong/AJC:  Georgia is preparing to open bidding for the largest transportation contract in state history, optional toll lanes along I-75 and I-575 in Cobb and Cherokee counties.)