Ga. 400 Shoulder Lane to be Opened Monday

Next week, drivers can use the shoulder of the road on southbound Ga. 400 on their morning commute between the Northridge and Holcomb Bridge exits and between Northridge and North Springs MARTA station exit, state transportation officials said.

The shoulder will be closed at the exit ramps in the southbound corridor, in a plan transportation officials have mapped out as a "flex" lane.

The new rules start Monday, and were described at a Tuesday press conference as a low-cost way to improve traffic flow along a major commuter route, according to Georgia Department of Transportation officials.

The shoulders will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. during the weekeday commute. Pull-off areas for motorists who break down have been built by GDOT. But transportation officials advise using caution when using the shoulder.

Both Roswell and Sandy Springs police have expressed concern about accessing emergency situations when the additional lane is opened.