Georgia I-285/I-20 West Interchange

The Georgia I-285/I-20 West Interchange project exemplifies transportation innovation through a Public-Private Partnership (P3), addressing congestion and improving safety at one of the most heavily trafficked freeway junctions in the United States. Mayer Brown provided comprehensive counsel to Legacy Infrastructure Contractors, LLC, guiding them through all aspects of procurement, project documentation, and financing. This included the implementation of a unique receivables sale structure that supported a tax-exempt government loan, enabling the most cost-effective financing solution. Our firm played a pivotal role in securing the financing for this ground-breaking initiative, ensuring the funding for the design, development, and construction of this project.

The significance of the project is evidenced through several key components: Georgia I-285/I-20 West Interchange. Mayer Brown advised Legacy Infrastructure Contractors, LLC, a special purpose entity created by C.W. Matthews, on its successful bid and closing for the I-285/I-20 West Interchange project. The project was procured by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) as a P3 project for planned roadway and interchange improvements to be implemented through a design-build-finance (DBF) contract with the Georgia State Road and Toll Authority (SRTA) in collaboration with the GDOT. Legacy was awarded the $1.25 billion project in August 2024. We advised Legacy on all aspects of the procurement, project documents and financing, which involved an innovative receivables sale structure backing a tax-exempt government loan to achieve the most efficient financing solution. The project achieved commercial close in October 2024 and financial close in December 2024. Proposed improvements to the interchange include: • The removal of left-hand ramp entrance and exit ramps from the I-285/I-20 interchange. • Improving its geometric design and vertical grades. • Constructing two-lane ramps within the interchange. • Creating westbound collector-distributor lanes from the I-285/I-20 West interchange to Fulton Industrial Boulevard. • Adding more lanes along I-20 from Factory Shoals Road to Hamilton E. Holmes Drive, a distance of approximately 6 mi. • Building roughly 2 mi. of additional lanes along I-285 from Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway south to MLK Jr. Drive to accommodate interchange improvements. • Modifying and/or replacing bridge structures and ramps in the freeway interchange and along I-20, including those over Fulton County's CSX Rail line and the Chattahoochee River. Social, Economic and Environmental Impact. Named one of the worst traffic bottlenecks in the United States, the interchange project will provide relief to Atlanta drivers by alleviating the congestion and providing greater safety to motorists. The rebuild includes repositioning of exit ramps, creating feeder lanes, and expanding the traffic capacity of the two highways. Some of the redesign is specifically making modifications for tractor trailers as these freight vehicles are major contributors to the current traffic. Project Milestones. Construction begins in 2025 and will continue to 2030. The project was finalized in December of 2024, by Mayer Brown. For a detailed look at the project, please refer to the linked articles below: DOT short-lists two contractors for I-285/I-20 West interchange redesign | I-285 at I-20 west of Atlanta, one of nation’s worst traffic bottlenecks, to be rebuilt https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/georgia-selects-contractors-to-unclog-its-i-285-i-20-west-interchange-bottleneck/65652