I-285 Express Lanes Transit
Overview
MARTA is conducting a planning study to improve and optimize connectivity in the Atlanta region by leveraging the proposed Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) I-285 express lanes projects between the I-20 interchanges, as part of GDOT's Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP). The I-285 Top End Express Lanes, currently advancing within the GDOT Express Lanes program, will add two new, barrier-separated express lanes in both directions of the northern portion of I-285, alongside the existing general-purpose lanes.
The goal of the I-285 Express Lanes Transit Study is to:
Develop a plan and preliminary designs for sustainable, equitable, and premium transit service along I-285 between the H.E. Holmes MARTA station and the Indian Creek MARTA station
Identify opportunities to leverage the proposed express lanes, serve communities and major employment centers
Position MARTA to seek funding for the implementation of the identified transit solutions
The study is being advanced with an eye towards equity and future funding opportunities to advance the project beyond planning into design and implementation. The planning efforts will evaluate data and key service performance criteria needed for potential federal grants and additional funding opportunities. Project funding will likely be comprised of local and federal resources.
Study Area
The expansion of GDOT’s I-285 express lanes network offers transit service providers increased accessibility and mobility options along 33.5 miles of I-285 between the H.E. Holmes MARTA station and the Indian Creek MARTA station.
Benefits
This study effort will identify solutions that provide transit riders with expanded, reliable, transportation options along the I-285 corridor to better access jobs, services and other key destinations. The I-285 Express Lanes Transit Study will increase regional connectivity, enhance travel time reliability, promote equitable access to transit options, and aid in reducing carbon emissions.
The purpose of the I-285 Express Lanes Transit Study is to enhance regional connectivity and provide equitable transportation solutions that improve accessibility for individuals traveling along the I-285 corridor, leveraging the improved travel time advantages provided by the I-285 express lanes projects.
Maximize investment in building express lanes
By connecting consumers to businesses, workers to jobs, and visitors to key destinations, transit has an undeniable ability to support economic growth and business development. The infrastructure investment provides a level of permanence that increases the likelihood of development.
Provide equitable access
With a focus on equitable transit access, this study will identify quality transportation services for all populations, while focusing on serving communities most in need of public transportation options.
Enhance regional connectivity
The transit planning process will evaluate access to employment clusters, healthcare facilities, and more to better connect people to opportunities and key destinations across the northern end of I-285 and the Atlanta region.
Study Schedule & Next Steps
The proposed I-285 Express Lanes Transit Study will assess existing transit services, identify infrastructure enhancements and potential station locations needed to facilitate improvements to existing transit services and deliver a set of operations plans for new express lanes transit services. Upon completion, the I-285 Express Lanes Transit Study will lay the groundwork for enhancing regional mobility, achieving more reliable trip times, and expanding mobility options for motorists in the metro Atlanta region. The study will provide a comprehensive framework and set of recommendations that will prepare the project for continued advancement through future analysis, design and implementation phases.
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