What's This All About?Corridor Alternatives
Following evaluation of individual potential strategies, alternatives were developed for conceptual design and evaluation. None of the identified strategies individually met all four of the corridor needs; therefore, the strategies were advanced in combinations for alternatives. For each of the eight alternatives developed, the project team analyzed and compiled technical data, finalized operating plans and associated costs, assessed overall benefits to the transportation system, developed complete concept designs, evaluated each alternative against the defined Project Need and Purpose, and determined economic, social, and environmental impacts to the human environment.
An overview of the original eight alternatives is provided by the video below, and further detail is provided in the copy that follows. In June 2010, these eight alternatives were narrowed to three to be advanced for consideration.
Alternative 1 (No Build)
Whats Included?
The No Build alternative does not include the addition of any improvements to the existing system of five general purpose lanes in each direction. However, efforts for the general upkeep of the I-285 corridor (such as restoration of bridges and resurfacing of pavement), are included in the No Build alternative.
Whats Included? The No Build alternative does not include the addition of any improvements to the existing system of five general purpose lanes in each direction. However, efforts for the general upkeep of the I-285 corridor (such as restoration of bridges and resurfacing of pavement), are included in the No Build alternative.
Alternative 2a and 2b
Whats Included?
Managed Lane System: Includes converting two existing general purpose lanes in each direction to managed lanes. The lanes would be managed as HOT3+, meaning vehicles with three persons or more will use these lanes without paying a fee. Vehicles not meeting occupancy requirements may use these lanes by paying a variable toll, which is collected through Electronic Toll Collection. This technology works like the Cruise Card electronic transponders used on Georgia 400 today. Instead of paying a toll at a booth, the accounts of registered users will be read and/or debited every time they use a HOT lane. Two pricing options were analyzed for this alternative. For Alternative 2a, the toll was set to generate the most throughput. For Alternative 2b, the toll was set to generate the most revenue. Drivers will be aware of the price before entering the system. Access points include I-285, I-75, Akers Mill Road, SR 400 (to/from the north), Perimeter Center Parkway, Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Peachtree Industrial Boulevard (to/from the north), and I-85 (to/from the north). Drivers may continue to use the remaining general purpose lanes without paying a toll.
Traffic Management Solutions:
Intelligent Transportation System tools: may include a variety of technologies to enhance the operation of the transportation system, including vehicle detectors, dynamic message signs, ramp meters, and other enhancements to manage traffic. Enhancements to Incident Management Protocol: enhancements to existing protocol to systematically reduce the time to detect and verify an incident occurrence; implement the appropriate response; safely clear the incident while managing the affected flow until full capacity is restored; and provide motorists with enough information about the incident to make knowledgeable decisions.
Improvements to Signing/Marking: includes improvements to the green interstate signs and installation of electronic changeable message signs
Transit System Upgrades: Includes enhancement to local bus service and new Express bus routes and service frequencies
Transportation Demand Management: Managing the demand placed on I-285s top end by encouraging the use of transit and vanpools and making these options more appealing. Includes enhancements to parking and existing transit and vanpools.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities: Enhancements to existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities (not on I-285)
Whats Included? Managed Lane System: Includes converting two existing general purpose lanes in each direction to managed lanes. The lanes would be managed as HOT3+, meaning vehicles with three persons or more will use these lanes without paying a fee. Vehicles not meeting occupancy requirements may use these lanes by paying a variable toll, which is collected through Electronic Toll Collection. This technology works like the Cruise Card electronic transponders used on Georgia 400 today. Instead of paying a toll at a booth, the accounts of registered users will be read and/or debited every time they use a HOT lane. Two pricing options were analyzed for this alternative. For Alternative 2a, the toll was set to generate the most throughput. For Alternative 2b, the toll was set to generate the most revenue. Drivers will be aware of the price before entering the system. Access points include I-285, I-75, Akers Mill Road, SR 400 (to/from the north), Perimeter Center Parkway, Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Peachtree Industrial Boulevard (to/from the north), and I-85 (to/from the north). Drivers may continue to use the remaining general purpose lanes without paying a toll.
Traffic Management Solutions:
Intelligent Transportation System tools: may include a variety of technologies to enhance the operation of the transportation system, including vehicle detectors, dynamic message signs, ramp meters, and other enhancements to manage traffic. Enhancements to Incident Management Protocol: enhancements to existing protocol to systematically reduce the time to detect and verify an incident occurrence; implement the appropriate response; safely clear the incident while managing the affected flow until full capacity is restored; and provide motorists with enough information about the incident to make knowledgeable decisions.
Improvements to Signing/Marking: includes improvements to the green interstate signs and installation of electronic changeable message signs
Transit System Upgrades: Includes enhancement to local bus service and new Express bus routes and service frequencies
Transportation Demand Management: Managing the demand placed on I-285s top end by encouraging the use of transit and vanpools and making these options more appealing. Includes enhancements to parking and existing transit and vanpools.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities: Enhancements to existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities (not on I-285)
Alternative 3
Whats Included?
Bus Rapid Transit System: Buses run in a special lane dedicated for use by buses only. System is either elevated, at street level, or beneath street level (tunneled) and includes 12 transit stations and 2-lane guideway (one lane in each direction).
Operational Improvements: These modifications improve travel flow and safety, and include:
Braided ramps: vertically separating off and on ramps (one ramp passes over the other).
Auxiliary lanes: an extra lane that runs between interchanges and gives drivers more time to merge in or out. The lane is created when an entrance ramp at one interchange meets the highway and drops out at the next interchange as an exit ramp (with an Exit Only sign).
Collector-distributor lanes: one-way lanes that run adjacent to the interstate and provide access to additional exits/off ramps that do not touch the interstate.
Reconstructing interchanges
Building new ramps
Removing some access points
Reconfiguring some local roadways
Whats Included? Bus Rapid Transit System: Buses run in a special lane dedicated for use by buses only. System is either elevated, at street level, or beneath street level (tunneled) and includes 12 transit stations and 2-lane guideway (one lane in each direction).
Operational Improvements: These modifications improve travel flow and safety, and include:
Braided ramps: vertically separating off and on ramps (one ramp passes over the other).
Auxiliary lanes: an extra lane that runs between interchanges and gives drivers more time to merge in or out. The lane is created when an entrance ramp at one interchange meets the highway and drops out at the next interchange as an exit ramp (with an Exit Only sign).
Collector-distributor lanes: one-way lanes that run adjacent to the interstate and provide access to additional exits/off ramps that do not touch the interstate.
Reconstructing interchanges
Building new ramps
Removing some access points
Reconfiguring some local roadways
Alternative 4
Whats Included?
Express Bus Service: Express Bus service operates over long distances without stopping, speeding up longer, peak commuter trips. Buses operate in the general purpose lanes with stops only in the Cumberland and Perimeter areas.
Operational Improvements: These modifications improve travel flow and safety, and include:
Braided ramps: vertically separating off and on ramps (one ramp passes over the other).
Auxiliary lanes: an extra lane that runs between interchanges and gives drivers more time to merge in or out. The lane is created when an entrance ramp at one interchange meets the highway and drops out at the next interchange as an exit ramp (with an Exit Only sign).
Collector-distributor lanes: one-way lanes that run adjacent to the interstate and provide access to additional exits/off ramps that do not touch the interstate.
Reconstructing interchanges
Building new ramps
Removing some access points
Reconfiguring some local roadways
Whats Included? Express Bus Service: Express Bus service operates over long distances without stopping, speeding up longer, peak commuter trips. Buses operate in the general purpose lanes with stops only in the Cumberland and Perimeter areas.
Operational Improvements: These modifications improve travel flow and safety, and include:
Braided ramps: vertically separating off and on ramps (one ramp passes over the other).
Auxiliary lanes: an extra lane that runs between interchanges and gives drivers more time to merge in or out. The lane is created when an entrance ramp at one interchange meets the highway and drops out at the next interchange as an exit ramp (with an Exit Only sign).
Collector-distributor lanes: one-way lanes that run adjacent to the interstate and provide access to additional exits/off ramps that do not touch the interstate.
Reconstructing interchanges
Building new ramps
Removing some access points
Reconfiguring some local roadways
Alternative 5
Whats Included?
Managed Lane System: Adds two lanes in each direction, located on either side of I-285, that are physically separated from the existing general purpose lanes by a guardrail or concrete median barrier. These lanes are managed as HOT3+, meaning vehicles with three persons or more will use these lanes without paying a fee. Vehicles not meeting occupancy requirements may use these lanes by paying a variable toll, which is collected through Electronic Toll Collection. This technology works like the Cruise Card electronic transponders used on Georgia 400 today. Instead of paying a toll at a booth, the accounts of registered users will be read and/or debited every time they use a HOT lane. Pricing for the lanes will vary based on demand and drivers will see the price before entering the system. Access points include I-285, I-75, Akers Mill Road, SR 400 (to/from the north), Perimeter Center Parkway, Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Peachtree Industrial Boulevard (to/from the north), and I-85 (to/from the north).
Bus Rapid Transit System: Buses run in a special lane dedicated for use by buses only. System is either elevated, at street level, or beneath street level (tunneled) and includes 12 transit stations and 2-lane guideway (one lane in each direction).
Operational Improvements: These modifications improve travel flow and safety, and include:
Braided ramps: vertically separating off and on ramps (one ramp passes over the other).
Auxiliary lanes: an extra lane that runs between interchanges and gives drivers more time to merge in or out. The lane is created when an entrance ramp at one interchange meets the highway and drops out at the next interchange as an exit ramp (with an Exit Only sign).
Collector-distributor lanes: one-way lanes that run adjacent to the interstate and provide access to additional exits/off ramps that do not touch the interstate.
Reconstructing interchanges
Building new ramps
Removing some access points
Reconfiguring some local roadways
Whats Included? Managed Lane System: Adds two lanes in each direction, located on either side of I-285, that are physically separated from the existing general purpose lanes by a guardrail or concrete median barrier. These lanes are managed as HOT3+, meaning vehicles with three persons or more will use these lanes without paying a fee. Vehicles not meeting occupancy requirements may use these lanes by paying a variable toll, which is collected through Electronic Toll Collection. This technology works like the Cruise Card electronic transponders used on Georgia 400 today. Instead of paying a toll at a booth, the accounts of registered users will be read and/or debited every time they use a HOT lane. Pricing for the lanes will vary based on demand and drivers will see the price before entering the system. Access points include I-285, I-75, Akers Mill Road, SR 400 (to/from the north), Perimeter Center Parkway, Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Peachtree Industrial Boulevard (to/from the north), and I-85 (to/from the north).
Bus Rapid Transit System: Buses run in a special lane dedicated for use by buses only. System is either elevated, at street level, or beneath street level (tunneled) and includes 12 transit stations and 2-lane guideway (one lane in each direction).
Operational Improvements: These modifications improve travel flow and safety, and include:
Braided ramps: vertically separating off and on ramps (one ramp passes over the other).
Auxiliary lanes: an extra lane that runs between interchanges and gives drivers more time to merge in or out. The lane is created when an entrance ramp at one interchange meets the highway and drops out at the next interchange as an exit ramp (with an Exit Only sign).
Collector-distributor lanes: one-way lanes that run adjacent to the interstate and provide access to additional exits/off ramps that do not touch the interstate.
Reconstructing interchanges
Building new ramps
Removing some access points
Reconfiguring some local roadways
Alternative 6
Whats Included?
Managed Lane System: Adds two lanes in each direction, located on either side of I-285, that are physically separated from the existing general purpose lanes by a guardrail or concrete median barrier. These lanes are managed as HOT3+, meaning vehicles with three persons or more will use these lanes without paying a fee. Vehicles not meeting occupancy requirements may use these lanes by paying a variable toll, which is collected through Electronic Toll Collection. This technology works like the Cruise Card electronic transponders used on Georgia 400 today. Instead of paying a toll at a booth, the accounts of registered users will be read and/or debited every time they use a HOT lane. Pricing for the lanes will vary based on demand and drivers will see the price before entering the system. Access points include I-285, I-75, Akers Mill Road, SR 400 (to/from the north), Perimeter Center Parkway, Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Peachtree Industrial Boulevard (to/from the north), and I-85 (to/from the north).
Express Bus Service: Express Bus service operates over long distances without stopping, speeding up longer, peak commuter trips. Buses operate in the general purpose lanes with stops only in the Cumberland and Perimeter areas.
Operational Improvements: These modifications improve travel flow and safety, and include:
Braided ramps: vertically separating off and on ramps (one ramp passes over the other). Auxiliary lanes: an extra lane that runs between interchanges and gives drivers more time to merge in or out. The lane is created when an entrance ramp at one interchange meets the highway and drops out at the next interchange as an exit ramp (with an Exit Only sign).
Collector-distributor lanes: one-way lanes that run adjacent to the interstate and provide access to additional exits/off ramps that do not touch the interstate.
Reconstructing interchanges
Building new ramps
Removing some access points
Reconfiguring some local roadways
Whats Included? Managed Lane System: Adds two lanes in each direction, located on either side of I-285, that are physically separated from the existing general purpose lanes by a guardrail or concrete median barrier. These lanes are managed as HOT3+, meaning vehicles with three persons or more will use these lanes without paying a fee. Vehicles not meeting occupancy requirements may use these lanes by paying a variable toll, which is collected through Electronic Toll Collection. This technology works like the Cruise Card electronic transponders used on Georgia 400 today. Instead of paying a toll at a booth, the accounts of registered users will be read and/or debited every time they use a HOT lane. Pricing for the lanes will vary based on demand and drivers will see the price before entering the system. Access points include I-285, I-75, Akers Mill Road, SR 400 (to/from the north), Perimeter Center Parkway, Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Peachtree Industrial Boulevard (to/from the north), and I-85 (to/from the north).
Express Bus Service: Express Bus service operates over long distances without stopping, speeding up longer, peak commuter trips. Buses operate in the general purpose lanes with stops only in the Cumberland and Perimeter areas.
Operational Improvements: These modifications improve travel flow and safety, and include:
Braided ramps: vertically separating off and on ramps (one ramp passes over the other). Auxiliary lanes: an extra lane that runs between interchanges and gives drivers more time to merge in or out. The lane is created when an entrance ramp at one interchange meets the highway and drops out at the next interchange as an exit ramp (with an Exit Only sign).
Collector-distributor lanes: one-way lanes that run adjacent to the interstate and provide access to additional exits/off ramps that do not touch the interstate.
Reconstructing interchanges
Building new ramps
Removing some access points
Reconfiguring some local roadways
Alternative 6e
Whats Included?
Managed Lane System: Adds reversible lanes that run along one or both sides of I-285 and are either elevated or at street level. System flows from I-75 and I-85 towards Perimeter area in the morning and from the Perimeter area toward I-75 and I-85 in the evening. These lanes are managed as HOT3+, meaning vehicles with three persons or more will use these lanes without paying a fee. Vehicles not meeting occupancy requirements may use these lanes by paying a variable toll, which is collected through Electronic Toll Collection. This technology works like the Cruise Card electronic transponders used on Georgia 400 today. Instead of paying a toll at a booth, the accounts of registered users will be read and/or debited every time they use a HOT lane. Pricing for the lanes will vary based on demand and drivers will see the price before entering the system. System access from I-285 mainline is provided just east of Mt Vernon Hwy and east of Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. System access from other roadways is provided at I-75, Akers Mill Rd, SR 400, Perimeter Center Pkwy, the frontage road between Chamblee Dunwoody & North Shallowford Rd, PIB, and I-85.
Express Bus Service: Express Bus service operates over long distances without stopping, speeding up longer, peak commuter trips. Buses operate in the general purpose lanes with stops only in the Cumberland and Perimeter areas.
Operational Improvements: These modifications improve travel flow and safety, and include:
Braided ramps: vertically separating off and on ramps (one ramp passes over the other).
Auxiliary lanes: an extra lane that runs between interchanges and gives drivers more time to merge in or out. The lane is created when an entrance ramp at one interchange meets the highway and drops out at the next interchange as an exit ramp (with an Exit Only sign).
Collector-distributor lanes: one-way lanes that run adjacent to the interstate and provide access to additional exits/off ramps that do not touch the interstate.
Reconstructing interchanges
Building new ramps
Removing some access points
Reconfiguring some local roadways
Removing some access points
Reconfiguring some local roadways
Whats Included? Managed Lane System: Adds reversible lanes that run along one or both sides of I-285 and are either elevated or at street level. System flows from I-75 and I-85 towards Perimeter area in the morning and from the Perimeter area toward I-75 and I-85 in the evening. These lanes are managed as HOT3+, meaning vehicles with three persons or more will use these lanes without paying a fee. Vehicles not meeting occupancy requirements may use these lanes by paying a variable toll, which is collected through Electronic Toll Collection. This technology works like the Cruise Card electronic transponders used on Georgia 400 today. Instead of paying a toll at a booth, the accounts of registered users will be read and/or debited every time they use a HOT lane. Pricing for the lanes will vary based on demand and drivers will see the price before entering the system. System access from I-285 mainline is provided just east of Mt Vernon Hwy and east of Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. System access from other roadways is provided at I-75, Akers Mill Rd, SR 400, Perimeter Center Pkwy, the frontage road between Chamblee Dunwoody & North Shallowford Rd, PIB, and I-85.
Express Bus Service: Express Bus service operates over long distances without stopping, speeding up longer, peak commuter trips. Buses operate in the general purpose lanes with stops only in the Cumberland and Perimeter areas.
Operational Improvements: These modifications improve travel flow and safety, and include:
Braided ramps: vertically separating off and on ramps (one ramp passes over the other).
Auxiliary lanes: an extra lane that runs between interchanges and gives drivers more time to merge in or out. The lane is created when an entrance ramp at one interchange meets the highway and drops out at the next interchange as an exit ramp (with an Exit Only sign).
Collector-distributor lanes: one-way lanes that run adjacent to the interstate and provide access to additional exits/off ramps that do not touch the interstate.
Reconstructing interchanges
Building new ramps
Removing some access points
Reconfiguring some local roadways
Removing some access points
Reconfiguring some local roadways
Alternative 7
Whats Included?
Light Rail Transit System: Adds a rail system that uses passenger rail cars operating singly (or in short, usually two-or three-car trains) on fixed rails with some or all of its route on exclusive right-of-way. The system is either elevated, at street level, or beneath street level (tunneled), and includes 12 transit stations.
Operational Improvements: These modifications improve travel flow and safety, and include:
Braided ramps: vertically separating off and on ramps (one ramp passes over the other).
Auxiliary lanes: an extra lane that runs between interchanges and gives drivers more time to merge in or out. The lane is created when an entrance ramp at one interchange meets the highway and drops out at the next interchange as an exit ramp (with an Exit Only sign).
Collector-distributor lanes: one-way lanes that run adjacent to the interstate and provide access to additional exits/off ramps that do not touch the interstate.
Reconstructing interchanges
Building new ramps
Removing some access points
Reconfiguring some local roadways
Whats Included? Light Rail Transit System: Adds a rail system that uses passenger rail cars operating singly (or in short, usually two-or three-car trains) on fixed rails with some or all of its route on exclusive right-of-way. The system is either elevated, at street level, or beneath street level (tunneled), and includes 12 transit stations.
Operational Improvements: These modifications improve travel flow and safety, and include:
Braided ramps: vertically separating off and on ramps (one ramp passes over the other).
Auxiliary lanes: an extra lane that runs between interchanges and gives drivers more time to merge in or out. The lane is created when an entrance ramp at one interchange meets the highway and drops out at the next interchange as an exit ramp (with an Exit Only sign).
Collector-distributor lanes: one-way lanes that run adjacent to the interstate and provide access to additional exits/off ramps that do not touch the interstate.
Reconstructing interchanges
Building new ramps
Removing some access points
Reconfiguring some local roadways
Alternative 8
Whats Included?
Managed Lane System: Adds two lanes in each direction, located on either side of I-285, that are physically separated from the existing general purpose lanes by a guardrail or concrete median barrier. These lanes are managed as HOT3+, meaning vehicles with three persons or more will use these lanes without paying a fee. Vehicles not meeting occupancy requirements may use these lanes by paying a variable toll, which is collected through Electronic Toll Collection. This technology works like the Cruise Card electronic transponders used on Georgia 400 today. Instead of paying a toll at a booth, the accounts of registered users will be read and/or debited every time they use a HOT lane. Pricing for the lanes will vary based on demand and drivers will see the price before entering the system. Access points include I-285, I-75, Akers Mill Road, SR 400 (to/from the north), Perimeter Center Parkway, Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Peachtree Industrial Boulevard (to/from the north), and I-85 (to/from the north). Light Rail Transit System: Adds a rail system that uses passenger rail cars operating singly (or in short, usually two-or three-car trains) on fixed rails with some or all of its route on exclusive right-of-way. The system is either elevated, at street level, or beneath street level (tunneled), and includes 12 transit stations.
Operational Improvements: These modifications improve travel flow and safety, and include:
Braided ramps: vertically separating off and on ramps (one ramp passes over the other).
Auxiliary lanes: an extra lane that runs between interchanges and gives drivers more time to merge in or out. The lane is created when an entrance ramp at one interchange meets the highway and drops out at the next interchange as an exit ramp (with an Exit Only sign).
Collector-distributor lanes: one-way lanes that run adjacent to the interstate and provide access to additional exits/off ramps that do not touch the interstate.
Reconstructing interchanges
Building new ramps
Removing some access points
Reconfiguring some local roadways
Whats Included? Managed Lane System: Adds two lanes in each direction, located on either side of I-285, that are physically separated from the existing general purpose lanes by a guardrail or concrete median barrier. These lanes are managed as HOT3+, meaning vehicles with three persons or more will use these lanes without paying a fee. Vehicles not meeting occupancy requirements may use these lanes by paying a variable toll, which is collected through Electronic Toll Collection. This technology works like the Cruise Card electronic transponders used on Georgia 400 today. Instead of paying a toll at a booth, the accounts of registered users will be read and/or debited every time they use a HOT lane. Pricing for the lanes will vary based on demand and drivers will see the price before entering the system. Access points include I-285, I-75, Akers Mill Road, SR 400 (to/from the north), Perimeter Center Parkway, Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Peachtree Industrial Boulevard (to/from the north), and I-85 (to/from the north). Light Rail Transit System: Adds a rail system that uses passenger rail cars operating singly (or in short, usually two-or three-car trains) on fixed rails with some or all of its route on exclusive right-of-way. The system is either elevated, at street level, or beneath street level (tunneled), and includes 12 transit stations.
Operational Improvements: These modifications improve travel flow and safety, and include:
Braided ramps: vertically separating off and on ramps (one ramp passes over the other).
Auxiliary lanes: an extra lane that runs between interchanges and gives drivers more time to merge in or out. The lane is created when an entrance ramp at one interchange meets the highway and drops out at the next interchange as an exit ramp (with an Exit Only sign).
Collector-distributor lanes: one-way lanes that run adjacent to the interstate and provide access to additional exits/off ramps that do not touch the interstate.
Reconstructing interchanges
Building new ramps
Removing some access points
Reconfiguring some local roadways
