It is impossible to ignore the explosive growth occurring on the North Side of metropolitan Atlanta, especially between I-75 and I-85 along the I-285 corridor.
Recent initiatives in this area will exacerbate the already congested corridors. These include the relocation of the new Braves stadium to Cobb County, the State Farm development, the redevelopment of the old General Motors Doraville plant and the redevelopment for Roswell Road.
This area is highly congested and has one of the densest concentrations of jobs in the metro area.
To facilitate the safe and efficient movement of people and goods and improve the connectivity in the area, there must be a greater diversification of modes of travel along the corridors.
Currently, there are a number of proposals which seek to improve transportation. These include: roadway improvements, expanded bus services, managed lanes, truck-only toll lanes, light rail transit, bus rapid transit, and other transportation alternatives.
The proposals are in different stages of conversation and implementation. Given the recent announcement of the Braves’ move to Cobb, businesses, residents and visitors are wondering what all of this will mean for their quality of life and the travel experience. Some are voting with their feet.
No doubt some projects will improve the economy of the region. However, the larger question is whether they will provide travelers more and improved travel options or reinforce the already congested conditions?
Several questions should be answered. What kinds of modal shifts can be made under constrained traffic conditions? Will there be an adequate density of safe, reliable transport options — to include roads, transit, pedestrian ways, cycling, exclusive right-of- way travel and circulator services?
Can we increase connectivity, and offer specialized transportation options to ensure reliability and mobility?
It is increasingly clear that one mode does not fit all in the diversified land-use found on our Northside.
