The South Fulton Community Improvement District (CID) is here to do just that: keeping drivers safe and moving in Fairburn, Palmetto, and Union City. Right now, they’re planning a new I-85 interchange at Gullatt Road to relieve congestion and reduce the risk of crashes.

What’s the CID doing?  

To create a new interchange, The Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) requires Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to conduct an Interchange Justification Report (IJR) to show why it’s needed. The South Fulton CID has spearheaded the effort by conducting a preliminary feasibility report. Next, they’re helping fund the IJR.  

GDOT is studying daily traffic, crash reports, and the area’s economic growth to prove the need. The report is on track for submission in September 2025. Once we’ve proved the need for the interchange and FHWA approves, it’s on to state-wide planning and design.  

According to the current IJR draft, the new interchange will open in 2038.  

The problem: highway drivers have nowhere else to turn 

South Fulton’s roads are only getting busier, especially along I-85 near Gullatt and SR74/ Senoia Roads. Most Fayette County commuters drive into Atlanta on I-85, and the 6-mile stretch of highway within the CID sees 42,000 cars each day. Since more than half of Fairburn’s largest employers are situated right off the highway along Oakley Industrial Boulevard, a large portion of those commuters and truckers are exiting at the SR 74 interchange. 

The bustling logistics center in Fairburn and South Fulton brings great economic benefits, but keeping our transport drivers and local commuters safe requires staying on top of traffic. 

As more employers take advantage of South Fulton’s logistics powerhouse, more drivers are headed out on these roads. Worry not: the South Fulton CID is here to future-proof Fairburn’s infrastructure.  

The solution: more options, less congestion, safer streets 

Along with establishing a bus route serving the area and working to upgrade the SR 74/I-85 interchange, the South Fulton CID is refitting local roads to manage traffic and get commuters more directly to their work.  

• The CID has funded traffic studies to find where a new interchange will make the most impact 
• A new interchange at Gullatt Road will help relieve existing nearby interchanges of heavy truck traffic 
• The expansion of Oakley Industrial Boulevard to Gullatt will provide increased access 
• Reclamation paving of Gullatt will future proof the roadway for heavy truck traffic  

If you live in Fayette County and need to get to work in downtown Atlanta or near the Atlanta airport, the Fairburn Park and Ride is your best option to bypass traffic and cut back on commuting costs.

Why? There’s no cost to park, it’s accessible and secure 24/7, and it’s a convenient meetup spot for commuters heading the same direction into Atlanta. With ample parking available, it’s the stress-free alternative you’ve been searching for. Here’s everything you need to know to start using it.

What’s the Fairburn Park and Ride?

The Fairburn Park and Ride is a place where commuters can park their cars and share rides. Located at 8100 Senoia Road, right near the I-85/SR-74 interchange, it’s a convenient meetup point for travelers heading north on SR-74.

Built in 2019 and made possible by the City of Fairburn and the South Fulton Community Improvement District (South Fulton CID), the park and ride was created for local commuters who often get slowed down by area traffic, especially at peak travel hours, or due to nearby construction activity. With the park and ride, Fayette County commuters have an alternative to driving alone.

Why It’s the Best Solution

Of course, the main reason to use the Fairburn Park and Ride is because it makes your commute easier. It has lots of features that make it convenient to use, including:

• 200 parking spots
• EV charging stations
• 24/7/365 availability
• Security monitoring by the City of Fairburn police
• Great lighting anytime of the day
• A convenient location right off SR-74 and near the I-85/SR-74 interchange
• Access to MARTA Route 188, which serves Oakley Industrial Boulevard

Taken together, these features make for a safe, convenient place where commuters working any shift can catch the MARTA Route 188, a carpool, or vanpool.

Why Share Rides

Carpooling and vanpooling are among the most common uses of the Fairburn Park and Ride, and they’re both great avenues to explore for improving your commute. Choosing these travel options helps combine trips and take extra cars off the road, resulting in a cleaner, healthier, and more seamless travel experience in the neighborhood for everyone.

When you share the ride with others, you can split the costs on gas, parking, and long-term wear and tear on a car. You can also swap driving duties with your carpooling partners.

If you’re not sure how to start a carpool or vanpool, Georgia Commute Options has a tool that matches you with others nearby who are heading in the same direction.

Make the Fairburn Park and Ride Part of Your Commute

Sitting in traffic alone isn’t your only option for getting to work. Head over here to learn even more about the Fairburn Park and Ride. For extra commuting resources to help you make the most out of the Fairburn Park and Ride, explore MARTA Route 188 or find a carpool or vanpool with Georgia Commute Options.

Keep up with the Fairburn Park and Ride, including the most up-to-date lot information, news and events, and more, via the Fairburn Park and Ride Facebook page.