Corridor Alternatives

No single strategy analyzed met all four of the project needs. Therefore, strategies were combined to fully address the identified project needs. In addition, it was determined that every build alternative should:

• Include either express bus or BRT to reasonably address improving mobility options (considered exclusively because BRT and express bus strategies were determined to provide duplicative services in this corridor in that each is a means of providing east-west transit)
• Include traffic operational improvements because this is the only strategy that fully addresses improving safety along the corridor

BRT and Operational Improvements
This combination of strategies will provide a viable transit option in the corridor that will be unaffected by congestion and incidents in general-purpose lanes. The BRT element will significantly enhance regional transit connectivity by connecting to express bus service on I-85 and I-75 and with planned arterial BRT service along Buford Highway. Operational improvements directly address congestion and safety needs. This alternative at least partially addresses all four primary corridor need statements. Design should address fixed-guideway transit standards and not preclude light rail transit. 

BRT, Operational Improvements, and Managed Lanes
With the addition of managed lanes, this alternative addresses the system connectivity and congestion management needs of the corridor. Design should address fixed-guideway transit standards and not preclude light rail transit. The managed lanes should also allow for truck connections.

Express Bus and Operational Improvements
This combination has the potential to meet all project needs. The express bus component, although limited to operating in existing general-purpose lanes, has the potential to improve mobility options for the traveling public and to maintain and improve system linkages, especially with the addition of special design features. Operational improvements directly address congestion and safety needs.

Express Bus, Operational Improvements, and Managed Lanes
This combination of strategies presents the opportunity to operate express bus service via managed lanes. As long as these managed lanes are managed to ensure uncongested flow, this will allow for transit travel times comparable to BRT.

• No-build alternative
• Transportation System Management/FTA New Starts Baseline

Alternatives advanced will be subjected to a detailed evaluation before a preferred alternative is selected. Public input will be sought during this process.