CBS Atlanta 46Will new access point on I-85 HOT lanes improve Monday morning commute?

Monday morning's rush hour will mark the first real test of a new access point along the I-85 southbound toll lanes.

The 4,500-foot entrance is located south of State Route 120.  Crews finished putting up a portable sign that will display the toll costs and painted white lines at the new entrance Sunday afternoon.

GDOT added the additional access point after commuters complained there was a six-mile stretch south of Old Peachtree Road that did not allow them to get into the High Occupancy Toll Lanes.

"I live about 50 miles from here so I have to go and come back from work," said Ashley Wright.  "It's really helped out that they've put those lines there."

But other drivers were skeptical the change would improve their commute.

"It's very hard when you're trying to get over because you have all the traffic and once you get over, you know you're kind of stuck," said Scott Hughes, a driver who uses I-85 regularly.  "You can't get in and out.  It's a huge problem."

The state has made several changes along the HOT lanes since they opened last October.  Most recently, the State Road and Tollway Authority voted to lower the toll to as little as a penny per mile in non-peak hours.

SRTA has called the lanes a success, noting that on many days they are at or near capacity during the morning and evening rush hours.

However, drivers who refuse to pay the toll still insist their commute has worsened.

"If I had to go to work at 9 in the morning, I take the southbound going into Atlanta and it's backed up," said Wendell Baptiste of Gwinnett County.

Many commuters said they refuse to use the HOT lanes no matter what the cost.

"I don't believe in it," said Tony Berenato.  "Money's tight as it is and I don't feel they got to pay just to be in the cool lane."

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