What's This All About?What is the goal of revive285 top end?
The goal of revive285 top end is to develop a comprehensive transportation concept for the top end of I-285 between I-75 and I-85. This concept will address long-term transportation solutions for the entire corridor.
How were alternatives developed?
To develop the alternatives, strategies were evaluated individually against the corridor’s needs and objectives; strategies with the best potential to meet the needs were advanced to the alternatives analysis phase. None of the individual strategies alone were determined to have good potential to meet two or more of the identified needs. In response, eight combinations of the strategies were advanced as “alternatives” for additional evaluation.
The alternatives phase expanded analysis by increasing the level of detail used and comparing the eight alternatives against each other. These alternatives consisted of a combination of various strategies, including Operational Improvements, Managed Lanes, Express Bus, and BRT. To comply with federal guidelines/regulations and establish a baseline against which to measure the effects of the build alternatives, the following additional alternatives also moved forward with detailed analysis: No-build Alternative and Transportation System Management/FTA New Starts Baseline.
In June 2010, the eight alternatives were narrowed down to four alternatives. These four will be advanced for additional consideration.
What are the estimated right-of-way needs?
Concept designs have been developed and estimates regarding the amount of right-of-way were determined as part of Phase 3 -- Impacts and Benefits Assessment. Information regarding the concept designs and typical sections of each alternative can be
found on the Alternative Overview Sheets and the Definition of Alternatives Report. Additional detail can be attained by utilizing the zooming features on the Alternative Interactive Map.That said, at this point NO alternative has been chosen, and NO rights-of-way have been pursued to date.
What is a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)?
An Environmental Impact Statement is a document required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for federal government agency actions ‘significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.’ A DEIS documents a full description of the affected environment, a reasonable range of alternatives, and an analysis of the potential social, economic, and environmental impacts of each alternatives. Upon completion of the DEIS, there is a 45 day public review and comment period prior to preparing the Final Environmental Impact Statement.
Which alternatives are moving forward into the environmental documentation phase?
The evaluation of the full list of alternatives resulted in four alternatives for advancement to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Information on each alternative moving forward can be found here.
Why was there a light rail alternative for revive285? According to the Strategy Screening Report, light-rail has limited potential to meet the project needs and is not advanced as an alternative for detailed analysis.
The Strategy Screening Report concluded that if a system-wide transit change is made within the Regional Transportation Plan from a bus rapid transit (BRT) system to a regional light rail transit (LRT) system, the LRT strategy will have better potential to meet the project needs along this corridor than either the BRT or express bus system. The Atlanta Regional Commission is currently working through their Regional Transit Committee to further examine the potential benefits of LRT and consider the region’s ability to fund a network of LRT corridors. If this consideration results in a change to the Regional Transportation Plan away from BRT and toward LRT, revive285 top end must be ready to adapt to that change. The LRT alternatives are being included in the information provided to the public although the decision to include them in the alternatives analysis has not been finalized. Light rail alternatives have not been advanced for consideration as of June 2010.
How were the alternatives identified and narrowed down?
First, a long list of potential strategies was identified using a variety of sources, including existing programs, plans, policies, federal requirements and public input. The full range of strategies/solutions identified for screening included managed lanes (such as high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes, bus rapid transit (BRT), truck-only lanes (TOL), etc.), interchange improvements, safety improvements, transit options, and general-purpose (GP) lanes.
These strategies were then subjected to a screening process to identify the solutions that best meet the Project Need and Purpose. This process began with developing objectives for the project based on the needs identified in the Project Need and Purpose as well as input received by the public and the Technical Advisory Committee. These objectives were then used to establish evaluation criteria. Using these criteria, the team was able to objectively and independently assess the value of individual strategies. Strategies that did not adequately meet the identified needs and objectives were not recommended to advance for detailed evaluation.
Finally, the strategies advanced for detailed evaluation were combined to fully address the identified project needs. Existing conditions information, previous studies, agency input, public input, and project team analyses were used to identify the most practical combination of strategies to develop the alternatives. Those combinations represented the original eight alternatives developed, which have been since been reduced to four alternatives to be advanced for consideration.
Who is leading revive285 top end?
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is leading the program in association with the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA).
ARCADIS was selected to serve as the prime consultant for the project.
How can I share my thoughts, ideas or comments on top end issues?
Visit our
How will I hear about revive285 top end’s progress?
There are a number of ways to stay up-to-date. Public meetings are held periodically at locations throughout the corridor, and this website will provide up-to-date information at every phase of the project. The media are kept in the information loop, and you may receive updates by email or mail if you desire. You can also follow the project on Twitter (@revive285) and become a fan on Facebook (revive285 top end).
What changes will be made to I-285’s top end?
The changes to be made to I-285’s top end are not known at this time. revive285 top end will focus on developing a comprehensive plan to address the transportation needs of this corridor. In order to determine the changes, the project team must look at how the projects currently planned and programmed for this corridor will impact I-285. The goal is to guide the project efforts in a way that provides the most benefit and creates a solution for I-285’s top end that will be effective well into the future.
When will construction begin?
At this point, there is not a projected construction timeline. The analysis and development phase will last through 2011. However, there will likely be individual projects that have already been planned or programmed that will begin construction prior to final concept development.
I’ve heard that a particular project along the corridor is supposed to start construction soon. Is that going to be put on hold because of revive285 top end?
The only project along the corridor currently scheduled for construction is a major resurfacing of I-285 from
Was there consideration to double decking I-285?
As part of the development of preliminary concepts for each alternative, options for at-grade, below grad, and elevated alignment combinations were considered. Double decking of I-285 was discussed early in the study process, and it was generally concluded that it is not cost effective in this location.
Were alternative routes considered, such as the northern arc or an outer perimeter?
The northern arc concept and the idea of an outer perimeter are outside the scope of the revive285 top end project which is limited to the corridor between I-75 and I-85 on the top end of I-285 only. If you would like to comment on or suggest the northern arc or outer perimeter ideas as solutions, please contact the Georgia Department of Transportation directly at
http://www.dot.ga.gov/misc/Pages/ContactUs.aspx.
Why not expand MARTA to run parallel to the interstate?
The alternatives do include a transit expansion and connection along the corridor. However, it has not been determined at this time the organizational entity that would operate and maintain a transit component at this time. Expanding MARTA along the I-285 would result in MARTA service in counties where MARTA is not currently able to provide service. MARTA is funded primarily by a 1% sales tax levied in its service area (Fulton and DeKalb counties) and passenger revenue. MARTA is a public authority operated by a board of directors appointed by the city of
The terms “programmed” and “planned” appear in relation to projects throughout this website. What do they mean?
Programmed projects are those that have been previously designated to receive funds in a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). A TIP includes short-range transportation projects designed to be viable solutions for a minimum of three years.
Planned projects are those projects identified in the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). An RTP includes long-range transportation projects and initiatives that are designed to be viable solutions for a minimum of 20 years. Planned projects are those that have been identified, but not yet programmed for funding.
I’ve heard about projects at the
The
The Ashford Dunwoody interchange project will provide additional capacity by restriping, improving signal timing and turning conditions and reconstructing a ramp. This new type of interchange, referred to as a diverging diamond interchange, requires drives to cross briefly to the other side of the road. Left turning movements onto the intestate would be able to do so without crossing oncoming traffic. Additional information can be found on the
Perimeter Community Improvement District’s website.
Both interchanges involve local governments implementing an interim solution to ease traffic. It is likely that revive285 top end will identify a long term solution for both interchanges.
I’ve heard that GDOT was also conducting another I-285 study. What is that?
GDOT was conducting the I-285 Strategic Implementation Plan (I-285 Planning Study). This study would provide an analysis of the entire I-285 loop and develop simulation tools to model the impact of potential transportation solutions. Unlike revive285 top end, this study does not advance projects through development and construction. However, the data and models developed as a part of this study have been integral to the efforts of revive285 top end.
Please click here to access the GDOT’s webpage and more detailed information of the
I-285 Planning Study.
Will revive285 top end incorporate any other previous planning efforts?
There have been previous efforts to identify and plan for improvement projects along the top end. Whenever past work can be integrated, it will be. However, there has not been a past project like revive285 top end that focuses on the entire stretch of this vital corridor from a comprehensive standpoint.
How does
Click
here to enlarge the graphic below that explains how a transportation improvement request ultimately becomes a completed project.
What are managed lanes?
A managed lane restricts access based on occupancy, tolls, and/or vehicle classification. Examples of managed lanes include:
* High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes
* High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lanes
* Truck-Only Lanes (TOL)/Truck-Only Toll (TOT) Lanes
Managed lanes are used in conjunction with general-purpose lanes to improve traffic flow on the overall highway system.
What are HOV lanes?
High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes are designated for vehicles with two or more people, such as buses, vanpools and carpools. HOV lanes serve to alleviate congestion by encouraging fewer single-occupant vehicles on the highway. These lanes improve mobility, reduce congestion, save money and help to improve air quality. In metro
For more information, visit
GDOT’s HOV Lanes webpage.
What are HOT lanes?
High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes allow single-occupant vehicles to pay a variably priced toll to use special lanes, often HOV lanes. HOT lanes typically rely on electronic tolling systems that use congestion-based pricing. Such tolling is variable, based on the time of day and amount of congestion. HOT lanes provide drivers the option of paying to drive in free-flowing traffic in times of heavy congestion.
What are TOL lanes?
Truck-Only Lanes (TOLs) are managed lanes intended for use by heavy trucks alone and are typically separated by barriers from general-purpose lanes. Such lanes primarily serve “through-trucks” that do not have local deliveries. This option improves safety and operations by physically separating heavy trucks from automobile traffic. At this time,
What is the revive285 top end project schedule?
The analysis and concept development phase and the approval of the environmental document while continue through 2011. The Record of Decision (ROD) is anticipated in 2012. After receipt of the ROD, the GDOT will need to undertake final design, right-of-way acquisition and construction. This is based on the traditional procurement process and assuming the availability of funding.
How much will the revive285 top end project cost?
A detailed project concept and corresponding cost have not yet been identified. A complete project cost estimate will be developed once the detailed corridor improvement concept has been identified. Project funding will most likely be provided by the US DOT, GDOT, and GRTA. Preliminary alternative costs developed for analysis are available for review in the impacts matrix on page 3 of
this document.
What research do you have that supports either HOV and/or BRT need?
Multiple studies have been conducted thus far, including the I-285 Transit Corridor Alternatives Analysis, the Northwest I-75/I-575 HOV/BRT Project, and the HOV Strategic Implementation Plan. Information on those studies can be found on GDOT’s website (
www.dot.state.ga.us).
What type of environmental analysis will be conducted?
The project team will conduct database research for known environmental features and field identification of other potential features. These may include potentially eligible historic properties, potential hazardous material locations, environmental justice communities as well as other features. Environmental specialists (i.e., historians, ecologists, and community planners) will conduct the field investigations for environmental features that may be impacted.
Will noise impacts be assessed?
Noise impact assessments will be completed as part of the environmental process. Areas that will have an increase in noise that exceeds the threshold for impacts will be analyzed for barrier construction or other methods for decreasing noise impacts, such as landscaping/earth berms.
What makes a property eligible for the National Register of Historic Places?
A resource may be determined eligible if it meets the minimum requirement of being 50 years old or older, is a recognized architectural style, is associated with a person or event of historical importance or may yield important information about history or prehistory, and still retains integrity according to the criteria established under the National Historic Preservation Act. Determinations are made by the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO).
How do you minimize impacts to wetlands?
Avoidance is the first step in reducing impacts to wetlands. There are wetlands in the 285 top end project corridor that could potentially be impacted. Alternatives that avoid impacts are considered, and if feasible, selected. If no feasible avoidance alternative is available, impacts are minimized to the maximum extent possible. Minimization strategies include, but are not limited to the following: bridging large expanses of wetlands; installing retaining walls instead of encroaching within the wetland; and reducing median widths, right-of-way widths, fill slopes, and/or shoulder widths. Lastly, where possible, wetlands are crossed perpendicularly to minimize potential impacts. If impacts to wetlands are unavoidable and/or cannot be further minimized, mitigation in the form of wetland credit purchase or restoration (on-site or off-site) is completed to compensate for the unavoidable loss.
Are you going to remove all the trees that currently line the interstate?
No alternative has been developed and/or selected at this time; therefore, it is not known whether the areas containing trees will be needed for improvements. If vegetation clearing is required for the improvements to the I-285 corridor, GDOT plans for early regeneration of disturbed areas during the construction phase. The GDOT may also look into ways to mitigate the loss of vegetation due to construction.
How much time will I save once this project is completed?
Currently, travel modeling and time saving analyses are being conducted to determine the amount of time a traveler may save under various improvement alternatives. This data can be found in the
Public Open House Round 5 handouts.
How does GRTA and/or GDOT influence land use policy?
Land use policy is determined by local jurisdictions and GDOT is not involved in land use policy. The Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) does have review authority of large-scale new developments. GRTA reviews Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs) for the impact on the region’s transportation network and identifies ways to reduce any negative impacts. In addition, GDOT and GRTA evaluate the impact of new transportation projects on the environment, in accordance with NEPA. Impacts on land use are included in the analysis.
How is GDOT involved in any decision to raise the gas tax in
Any decision to alter the state's gas tax is up to the state legislature. While GDOT will likely consult with law makers as requested, GDOT does not vote on this matter.
How effective will any fix for the I-285 top end be if the major connecting corridors are not improved?
Improving connections to other corridors (i.e., GA 400, I-75, I-285 and I-85) both as they exist today and how they will function in the future is a key goal of revive285 top end. The revive285 top end corridor project represents only one of several planned system improvements in various stages of implementation (i.e., under construction, under design, or programmed). In this region, the State of
Are there any private development or investment partners engaged in this project? If not, are there plans to engage any?
GDOT is not presently pursuing a private development partner for this project. However, the opportunity to do such will continually be reevaluated as the project is further developed. If you would like more information on public-private partnerships (P3), please visit the
GDOT's website and click the “Public Private Initiatives” link under “Programs and Policies.”
What should I know about noise walls?
Noise walls are structures designed and constructed along roadways to reduce the sound level from the nearby highway traffic. GDOT completes a detailed noise analysis any time a state highway is widened, realigned, and/or constructed to identify potential noise impacts and determine whether a noise wall is needed. Noise walls are recommended and funded if the following conditions are met:
* the predicted noise level that approaches (within one decibel) or exceeds the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) noise abatement criteria or there is a substantial increase in noise levels (10 dBA or more over existing levels)
* site conditions allow for the construction of a noise wall
* the expected level of noise reduction exceeds the cost for constructing the wall
The cost for noise walls is dependent on material type and existing site conditions. For more information on noise walls, please contact Keisha Jackson at (404) 699-6866.
Will air quality impacts be assessed as part of the project?
An air quality impact assessment will be conducted as part of the environmental process in accordance with federal and state air quality goals. The levels of ozone, carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM) as well as mobile source air toxics (MSAT) will be assessed.
