Q&A on the News

Q: Some of the barrier walls on the new express lanes on I-75 in Henry County are steel guard rails instead of concrete. What is the reason for this? What is the cost of a Peach Pass? —Carl Roberts, Locust Grove

A: The steel barriers are gates that will provide access to first responders in the case of emergencies and accidents, a Georgia DOT spokeswoman told Q&A on the News in an email.

GDOT hasn’t installed all of the barriers on the South Metro Express lanes, which are scheduled to open in early 2017.

A Peach Pass will be needed to travel in the lanes.

The Pay n GO! Peach Pass starter kit, which can be purchased at CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens stores, costs $2.50 (the retailer fee) “in addition to the cost of the amount of prepaid tolls (any amount between $20-$500).”

They come with a transponder sticker that must be attached to a vehicle’s windshield.

For more information, go to peachpass.com or call 855724-7277.

Q: Were the parents or any family of Ross Harris present at his trial and sentencing? I don’t recall any mention of them throughout this time. —Brenda Clark, Newnan

A: Harris’ family supported him throughout the trial.

His brother, Michael Baygents, a police officer in Tuscaloosa, Ala., testified on Harris’ behalf, saying, “I think he loved Cooper more than life itself.”

“He was very attentive. That was his little buddy,” Baygents said.

Baygents’ wife, Amy Baygents, said: “Ross was a very loving dad ... attentive, played with him a lot.”