Frequently Asked Questions

The following Q & As are designed to provide more information about the project.

The extension of the Ronald Reagan Parkway to connect to I-85 will address one of the biggest concerns expressed by Gwinnett County citizens - traffic congestion. Currently, the surface streets that handle the RRP traffic as it attempts to get to I-85 are at capacity. The surface street interchanges with I-85 are also at capacity. The RRP will provide a much needed alternative to access I-85 and relieve this congestion.

For more than four years, citizens have been inquiring with the Commissioners' office about the need for a more efficient route. We are at the beginning of the process and we are seeking extensive public input throughout. Please visit the Overview section for more information.

Will the project impact homes and businesses?

It's too preliminary to determine what, if any, neighborhoods and/or businesses will be impacted; a route has not yet been determined. The purpose of this phase is to conduct studies to determine if the project is feasible. Should it be deemed feasible, the NEPA environmental process will be initiated to analyze different route alternatives and determine the one that best meets the needs of the project.

Before alternative routes are determined, there will be several studies to determine if, for example from a traffic and usage perspective, the road is necessary. The PDA phase also encompasses environmental, technical and other investigations that evaluate potential routes, analyzing costs and benefits.

Will the project impact the environment?

This is a very important question and a critical consideration being studied in the PDA phase. During the PDA, we will provide screening level evaluation of natural and cultural resources, identify fatal flaw areas, produce an environmental screening report, and involve ecologists and consultants from national and local agencies, among other activities.

We understand the sensitivities related to building in this environment and Skanska has a proven track record of being responsible. Skanska is a leader in environmental management and our business units are all certified/registered in accordance with ISO 14001, a construction industry first.

How much is this going to cost?

The results of the feasibility studies will determine the cost of the project. It is during the PDA that information is gathered from a technical, environmental, financial and public standpoint to determine if the project is feasible, and how it may be developed.

The costs for services contained in the Pre-Development Agreement phase are standard for development of construction projects of this size and scope, and services are competitively sourced to ensure cost benefits.

What is a PPP/public private partnership?

This project represents the first phase of the first PPP to be procured by a county municipality in Georgia. A PPP is a performance-based contractual relationship where a public entity and private sector companies come together to assemble the expertise and funding for major infrastructure projects. In many PPP cases, the private sector company provides equity and secures debt (e.g. loans) required to fund the project based on the value of future revenues generated by the project; sometimes the public entity provides funding. Specific financing for this project will be determined at a later date.

This project is described as a PDA. What type of contract is this and what are the advantages?

P-D-A stands for Pre-Development Agreement, which is the contractual relationship between Gwinnett County and Skanska. It describes the early stage of the project and encompasses activities that will determine the project's overall feasibility from a technical, environmental, public and financial standpoint. It is expected to take 9-12 months. The goals and deliverables of the PDA have been developed together for mutual benefit.

Gwinnett County chose to use a PPP to analyze and develop this project because of the improved potential to realize the project benefits by engaging the private sector. The PDA is simply a part of this process whereby a feasibility study to examine the technical, environmental, financial and public aspects of the project will be performed to determine if the project is viable under this concept. The cost for performance of the PDA services is shared between Gwinnett County and Skanska, however, Skanska will carry these costs through this phase and additional project phases as long as the project is viable.

Why is The Skanska Team interested in this project?

The Skanska Team supports the mission of the Gwinnett County Department of Transportation to effectively serve the public's transportation needs, and believes that a viable project can be developed. The project fits within Skanska's corporate mission: to deliver genuine benefits to users of social infrastructure and the authorities that serve them.

What is Skanska's history in Georgia?

Skanska USA Civil, the lead construction member of The Skanska Team has a proven track record in Georgia and in Gwinnett, having completed on-time, on-budget projects for the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Skanska is a top-five global construction company and its infrastructure development business unit has long-term experience in successful public private partnerships for the users of roads, hospitals, schools and power plants. Based in Sweden and with more than 8,000 employees in the U.S., the company's commitment to contribute to a more sustainable world is resolute. Please visit the Experience section for more information.

Skanska has been building in Atlanta since 1905, growing the city and shaping its landscape. The company has over 150 employees and some of the best construction professionals in the Southeast residing in our recently constructed LEED Gold certified office downtown.

The Atlanta office is dedicated to the idea of diversity and serving the communities we build. Each year, we participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, community clean-up events and food drives for the homeless, formal mentoring relationships with small and disadvantaged businesses and much more. For us, community outreach isn't just the right thing to do - it's the only thing to do.

Some of Skanska's historical projects in Georgia include the Five Points MARTA Station in the mid 1970s, the Georgia Dome in the early 1990s, construction of substantial parts of the Atlanta Olympic Games infrastructure, including Centennial Olympic Stadium (now Turner Field), the F. Wayne Hill Waste Water Treatment Plant in Gwinnett County in 2003 and several water treatment plants in Atlanta. We are currently completing the Turtle River Bridge Replacement on I-95 near St. Simons Island.

Who is The Skanska Team?

The Skanska Team itself is comprised of well-qualified, local major members, including Skanska ID as developer and equity member; Skanska USA Civil and ER Snell as co-lead contractors, Wilbur Smith Associates for traffic and revenue, Parsons for engineering, Precision Planning, Inc. for design, and Tillman Allen Greer for public outreach. Team members have prior project experience in Gwinnett and throughout Georgia. Please visit the Experience section for more information.

How many jobs will this project bring to Gwinnett County?

While we expect that construction, as well as the end result of providing commuters a more efficient, predictable route between Gwinnett County and Atlanta, will provide a boost to employment, it is premature to predict specific numbers and impact. During the PDA, about 100 people will be working on the project.

How can citizens get involved?

The Skanska Team and Gwinnett County want to keep the public informed and involved in this project and welcome public input towards the project. Part of the PDA phase is a robust public outreach and involvement program, including a Citizens Advisory Group. This site will contain more information about the formation of that group. Interested individuals may also sign up on this site to receive updates and ask questions. Visit the Contact Us section and the Citizens Advisory Group section for more information.

How do I join The Skanska Team?

Interested subcontractors can email Keit.Tipton@Skanska.com or call the Skanska Atlanta office at 404-835-6650.

Should the project be deemed feasible (a potential result of this PDA phase), The Skanska Team would source providers locally to the maximum extent possible. We are experienced with structuring our supply chain to take advantage of locally-based businesses, as well as small, women- and minority-owned businesses.