There has been recent discussion about I-3 on GHT - "Projects .. Roadgeeks" thread, but, with the election season upon us, I thought I would start a regional thread:
From the August 23, 2010 Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
http://www.ajc.com/news/interstate-from-savannah-to-597123.html
Quote
It's been talked about for years, but the idea of an interstate linking Savannah and Knoxville is getting an actual hearing now that the Federal Highway Administration has begun a feasibility study... Agency spokesman Doug Hecox said the study into the proposed Interstate 3 began in June....
The administration will use the study as a "resource that would inform discussion," Hecox told the Times Free Press, but that doesn't necessarily mean the interstate is going to be built. The study will look at routes, costs and impacts on tourism, industry and the environment.
Hecox told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that the study would only show options for the route. If the project moves forward, the states involved would make the final choice, he said."
There is no time frame for the study's completion, but Hecox said he hopes the results would be in by the end of 2011.
Aug. 28, 2010 editorial from Savannah Morning News strongly advocates building the Savannah-Augusta leg of the route buts wants "mountain" part to be studied very closely:
http://savannahnow.com/opinion/2010-08-28/no-brainer
To sum up my previously stated position from the other thread: Build the road as interstate-grade from Savannah to Augusta to I-85, but do not build an interstate-grade road from I-85 up to Knoxville.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHT (EDIT)
I also would not mind an associated feasibility study of extending I-77 southward from Columbia to link with the Savannah-Augusta portion of the proposed road.
Also, here's a link to the Chattanooga Times Free Press article: (http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/aug/22/interstate-eyed/). Interestingly, it looks like mountain-area business groups are more interested in upgrading the Chattanooga-Asheville Corridor K than building I-3.
Aside from the numbering issues. I can see a need for a Interstate from Augusta to Savannah. However north of that I can't see any need for one as the traffic would be so light. Then add in the issues with the enviroment and it's a no go.
There is no money to build so-called I-3 anyway. Besides, the non-interstate roadway between Savannah and Augusta has recently been upgraded to four-lanes.
I know and it's alot better than it was when it was two lanes.
Quote from: Grzrd on September 06, 2010, 09:44:28 PM
I also would not mind an associated feasibility study of extending I-77 southward from Columbia to link with the Savannah-Augusta portion of the proposed road.
I'll second that one. US-321, while it has a high speed limit (55mph), has way too many little towns along it. Plus this would also help relieve traffic on I-95/I-26 by cutting the distance between Savannah and Columbia in half.
As I have family in Augusta, and they live about a mile from the proposed I-3 highway, I say that this is a damn good idea.
My uncle Brad would LOVE to be near an Interstate honoring Dale Earnhardt... and this is the ONLY reason I support the number 3 for this highway.
Quote from: kaothinterceptor on March 25, 2011, 04:26:51 PM
My uncle Brad would LOVE to be near an Interstate honoring Dale Earnhardt... and this is the ONLY reason I support the number 3 for this highway.
Only problem with that is it doesn't honor Dale Earnhardt. It's suppose to be honoring the "Third Infantry Division".
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on March 25, 2011, 04:29:15 PM
Quote from: kaothinterceptor on March 25, 2011, 04:26:51 PM
My uncle Brad would LOVE to be near an Interstate honoring Dale Earnhardt... and this is the ONLY reason I support the number 3 for this highway.
Only problem with that is it doesn't honor Dale Earnhardt. It's suppose to be honoring the "Third Infantry Division".
You don't understand how southern men think. Any time they see, hear or think about the number 3, the first thing they think of is Dale Earnhardt.
Quote from: kaothinterceptor on March 25, 2011, 04:33:53 PM
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on March 25, 2011, 04:29:15 PM
Quote from: kaothinterceptor on March 25, 2011, 04:26:51 PM
My uncle Brad would LOVE to be near an Interstate honoring Dale Earnhardt... and this is the ONLY reason I support the number 3 for this highway.
Only problem with that is it doesn't honor Dale Earnhardt. It's suppose to be honoring the "Third Infantry Division".
You don't understand how southern men think. Any time they see, hear or think about the number 3, the first thing they think of is Dale Earnhardt.
I know about that. I am a NASCAR fan after all. :P
Maybe it is NOT etched in stone that it would be I-3 if built:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/sec1927corridors.htm
Quote
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) expects to carry out Section 1927 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) as directed by the law. Essentially this will result in a number of studies being completed on two highway corridors. One links Augusta, GA, Macon, GA, Columbus, GA, Montgomery, AL and Natchez, MS. It is referred to in the statute as the 14th Amendment Highway. Some interested groups and individuals refer to this as "I-14". One links Savannah, GA, Augusta GA and Knoxville, TN. It is referred to in the statute as the 3rd Infantry Division Highway. Some interested groups and individuals refer to this as "I-3". The FHWA prefers to use neither the term "I-14" nor the term "I-3". This is because the corridor is not designated as a future interstate. In addition since no preferred alignment for these highways has been established, the FHWA prefers to use the word 'corridor' when discussing these potential highways.
The FHWA prefers to not refer to the corridor as I-3 :clap: (I had never bothered to look before). It is not even designated as a future interstate :clap:. Now, if we can get the media and interest groups to drop the term, too ... (Sorry, NASCAR fans)
If built from Knoxville through mountains as interstate grade, then I would like to see it as extension of I-81.
If built to the west of the mountains as interstate grade, then I would like to see it as I-75 from Chattanooga vicinity to Knoxville and then an extension of I-24 from Chattanooga vicinity to Savannah.
If noninterstate grade, then just use existing federal and state routes.
QuoteIf noninterstate grade, then just use existing federal and state routes.
This is the most realistic and the most likely outcome. Especially since the Federal spigot is running dry.
Quote from: Grzrd on March 26, 2011, 02:24:37 PM
Maybe it is NOT etched in stone that it would be I-3 if built:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/sec1927corridors.htm
"The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) expects to carry out Section 1927 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) as directed by the law. Essentially this will result in a number of studies being completed on two highway corridors. One links Augusta, GA, Macon, GA, Columbus, GA, Montgomery, AL and Natchez, MS. It is referred to in the statute as the 14th Amendment Highway. Some interested groups and individuals refer to this as "I-14". One links Savannah, GA, Augusta GA and Knoxville, TN. It is referred to in the statute as the 3rd Infantry Division Highway. Some interested groups and individuals refer to this as "I-3". The FHWA prefers to use neither the term "I-14" nor the term "I-3". This is because the corridor is not designated as a future interstate. In addition since no preferred alignment for these highways has been established, the FHWA prefers to use the word 'corridor' when discussing these potential highways."
The FHWA prefers to not refer to the corridor as I-3 :clap: (I had never bothered to look before). It is not even designated as a future interstate :clap:. Now, if we can get the media and interest groups to drop the term, too ... (Sorry, NASCAR fans)
If built from Knoxville through mountains as interstate grade, then I would like to see it as extension of I-81.
If built to the west of the mountains as interstate grade, then I would like to see it as I-75 from Chattanooga vicinity to Knoxville and then an extension of I-24 from Chattanooga vicinity to Savannah.
If noninterstate grade, then just use existing federal and state routes.
If non-Interstate grade, then designate as a southern U.S. 3.
NASCAR fans usually get what NASCAR fans want, and I bet they'd love to have a U.S. 3 down there in NASCAR country.
Can you imagine the cost of having to replace all of the signs that the "fans" will steal over time. :spin: And please tell me there is no FHWA font that comes close to looking like the #3 that was on Dale's car. :-P
Quote from: cjk374 on March 28, 2011, 10:44:36 PM
Can you imagine the cost of having to replace all of the signs that the "fans" will steal over time. :spin: And please tell me there is no FHWA font that comes close to looking like the #3 that was on Dale's car. :-P
1. Only if the signs were in the same font as the #3 on Dale's car.
2. ...I don't think Childress would allow it. That font is copyrighted.
FHWA has narrowed list of potential routes down to four, with the leading candidate being Corridor A's western bypass of the mountains. Here's a link to a map of the four routes under consideration:
http://www.wayssouth.org/campaigns/stop-i-3/resources/potential-i3-routes/
Here's a link to the FHWA expert working group's (EWG's) minutes from their March 8 meeting:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/section_1927/3rd_infantry_highway/expert_working_group/third_meeting_minutes.cfm
Quote
...Public opposition is likely for any of the four corridors in the northern section, particularly the corridors that impact GRSM [Great Smoky Mountains National Park] (Corridors B and C). EWG input stated that the team shouldn't pre-aggravate the public; the team recommends only the least controversial corridors move forward for further analysis to develop planning-level cost estimates ...
John Mettille presented the project team's recommendations for consideration by the EWG of which corridor should be carried forward for preparation of steps and costs to complete in the project's next task.
North of Lavonia — Corridor A Western Option, Interstate design level (could have combination of design levels for cost estimate)
South of Lavonia — Corridor A, B, or B Bypass, Interstate or arterial (combination) ...
The next meeting will be in late April to discuss the steps and costs to complete ...
Here's a link to an article in a Dahlonega newspaper that describes Corridor A's route as a revival of the Northern Arc:
http://www.thedahloneganugget.com/articles/2011/03/31/news/02%20interstate.txt
Quote
...The preferred route from I-85 to I-95 [sic? I-75?] is the old Northern Arc touted for years but never built. The leg that runs on State Route 52 to Ellijay is part of the old Appalachian Scenic Corridor/Foothills Parkway, which many people in Lumpkin County called "the truck route" and organized to fight ... they will price it as an interstate, a four-lane and an improved two-lane...
Corridor D is intriguing because it is entirely along existing alignment and could include an upgrade of US 321 as a southern extension of I-77 from Columbia to Savannah.
Quote from: Grzrd on April 02, 2011, 03:37:17 PM
FHWA has narrowed list of potential routes down to four, with the leading candidate being Corridor A's western bypass of the mountains. Here's a link to a map of the four routes under consideration:
http://www.wayssouth.org/campaigns/stop-i-3/resources/potential-i3-routes/
Here's a link to the FHWA expert working group's (EWG's) minutes from their March 8 meeting:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/section_1927/3rd_infantry_highway/expert_working_group/third_meeting_minutes.cfm
"...Public opposition is likely for any of the four corridors in the northern section, particularly the corridors that impact GRSM [Great Smoky Mountains National Park] (Corridors B and C). EWG input stated that the team shouldn't pre-aggravate the public; the team recommends only the least controversial corridors move forward for further analysis to develop planning-level cost estimates ...
John Mettille presented the project team's recommendations for consideration by the EWG of which corridor should be carried forward for preparation of steps and costs to complete in the project's next task.
North of Lavonia — Corridor A Western Option, Interstate design level (could have combination of design levels for cost estimate)
South of Lavonia — Corridor A, B, or B Bypass, Interstate or arterial (combination) ...
The next meeting will be in late April to discuss the steps and costs to complete ..."
Here's a link to an article in a Dahlonega newspaper that describes Corridor A's route as a revival of the Northern Arc:
http://www.thedahloneganugget.com/articles/2011/03/31/news/02%20interstate.txt
"...The preferred route from I-85 to I-95 [sic? I-75?] is the old Northern Arc touted for years but never built. The leg that runs on State Route 52 to Ellijay is part of the old Appalachian Scenic Corridor/Foothills Parkway, which many people in Lumpkin County called "the truck route" and organized to fight ... they will price it as an interstate, a four-lane and an improved two-lane..."
Corridor D is intriguing because it is entirely along existing alignment and could include an upgrade of US 321 as a southern extension of I-77 from Columbia to Savannah.
Oddly enough, that's been something we roadgeeks have been all over: An I-77 extension from Columbia, SC to Savannah, GA via Augusta.
...Speaking of which, I vote for using I-520 to US 25 for the routing around Augusta.
QuoteOddly enough, that's been something we roadgeeks have been all over: An I-77 extension from Columbia, SC to Savannah, GA via Augusta.
Maybe a few have, but they've so far been very much in the minority.
I read through those minutes a bit. One option, not mentioned yet on this forum but suggested by two people in the working group (including the NCDOT rep) is for a No Build/signage option that would only post signs along the corridor honoring the Third Infantray Division. Which, when one boils it down, meets the purpose without spending huge amounts of scarce (and about-to-be-scarcer) transportation dollars on a roadway with dubious benefit and likely opposition (especially in the mountains).
Quote from: froggie on April 04, 2011, 05:41:44 PM
QuoteOddly enough, that's been something we roadgeeks have been all over: An I-77 extension from Columbia, SC to Savannah, GA via Augusta.
Maybe a few have, but they've so far been very much in the minority.
I read through those minutes a bit. One option, not mentioned yet on this forum but suggested by two people in the working group (including the NCDOT rep) is for a No Build/signage option that would only post signs along the corridor honoring the Third Infantray Division. Which, when one boils it down, meets the purpose without spending huge amounts of scarce (and about-to-be-scarcer) transportation dollars on a roadway with dubious benefit and likely opposition (especially in the mountains).
This just happens to be another idea from the Watson Bros., by the way.
Speaking of which, I could use a updated list of Fictional Interstate ideas... the Watson Bros. list is from 2005...
Who cares about the Watson Bros.? And why are you discussing fictional highways outside the fictional ghetto?
Quote from: NE2 on April 05, 2011, 04:32:21 PM
Who cares about the Watson Bros.? And why are you discussing fictional highways outside the fictional ghetto?
Because in this case, a fictional freeway is ON TOPIC for this section.
Nope.
QuoteBecause in this case, a fictional freeway is ON TOPIC for this section.
Not in this instance.
Quote from: froggie on April 06, 2011, 08:49:32 AM
QuoteBecause in this case, a fictional freeway is ON TOPIC for this section.
Not in this instance.
Agreed. Any Watson Bros. fictional stuff should be talked about in the Fictional Highways area.
Quote from: kaothinterceptor on April 05, 2011, 04:12:24 PM
Quote from: froggie on April 04, 2011, 05:41:44 PM
QuoteOddly enough, that's been something we roadgeeks have been all over: An I-77 extension from Columbia, SC to Savannah, GA via Augusta.
Maybe a few have, but they've so far been very much in the minority.
I read through those minutes a bit. One option, not mentioned yet on this forum but suggested by two people in the working group (including the NCDOT rep) is for a No Build/signage option that would only post signs along the corridor honoring the Third Infantray Division. Which, when one boils it down, meets the purpose without spending huge amounts of scarce (and about-to-be-scarcer) transportation dollars on a roadway with dubious benefit and likely opposition (especially in the mountains).
This just happens to be another idea from the Watson Bros., by the way.
Speaking of which, I could use a updated list of Fictional Interstate ideas... the Watson Bros. list is from 2005...
Glad you remembered! It's something my brother Jeff and I concocted back in 2005, and posted online that summer. It remained until 2009, when Yahoo! discontinued the GeoCities section.
Lately I've been too busy to try to get a new updated list online, but I still have the files, and I will add some new content if and when I decide to get them back online again.
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on April 07, 2011, 05:00:20 AM
Quote from: froggie on April 06, 2011, 08:49:32 AM
QuoteBecause in this case, a fictional freeway is ON TOPIC for this section.
Not in this instance.
Agreed. Any Watson Bros. fictional stuff should be talked about in the Fictional Highways area.
That's what I would've said! Although I could've done without the reference that makes us sound like the Warners! :-D
If anyone is interested, there are opportunities to participate in an online hearing re Third Infantry Division Highway next week:
http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=238545
Quote
A proposed Interstate highway that would cross the northeast Georgia mountains will be the subject of three online information sessions hosted by the Federal Highway Administration ...
Two of the information sessions on the 3rd Infantry Division Highway Corridor Study will be held next Tuesday, May 17, and the third, the following day.
Tuesday's will be held at from 12:00-1:00 and 6:30-7:30 and the one on Wednesday will be held from 10:00-11:00.
The study is being conducted to satisfy federal law.
Participants in the three webinar sessions will be allowed to submit questions. to submit your questions and get answers. Each session will begin with a brief overview of the study process and key findings.
Pre-register to reserve a space in one of the session by using one of these links:
Tuesday lunchtime: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/739903006
Tuesday evening: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/868736998
Wednesday morning: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/128482726
More information about the project is available online at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/section_1927/
I am sorry, but I dont want I-3 built... if they want I-3 built.. they should have done that somewhere in the Western U.S. or somewhere in Florida... this does not line up. Besides the U.S. routes are mostly 4 laned...
However, i do support I-77 extension to I-75 :-D
Quote from: Buummu on May 11, 2011, 10:20:58 PM
I am sorry, but I dont want I-3 built... if they want I-3 built.. they should have done that somewhere in the Western U.S. or somewhere in Florida... this does not line up. Besides the U.S. routes are mostly 4 laned...
However, i do support I-77 extension to I-75 :-D
You've violated several rules with that post, not the least being that I-3 would never be in Florida. Think about it. Also note that the Third Infantry Division Highway is not being called I-3 in these posts. If it were built, it could well be I-18.
I personally oppose I - 3, both the designation and the route north of Augusta. I can only think of two routes north of Augusta I'd support:
(1) North to Lavonia, then following my proposal for I - 24 east extension to Chatsworth, then following near US 411 to Maryville then US 129 to Knoxville
(2) Northeast to Greenville and then Fletcher, then multiplexing with I - 26 and I - 40.
I oppose this highway for three reasons:
(1) Impact on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on some of the proposed routes
(2) the fact it does not fit the grid (I - 3 makes absolutely no sense)
(3) the reason they are choosing I - 3 is to basically glorify the Iraq war, which is a war I never did approve of us going into. I'd MUCH rather the interstate be named for Dale Earnhardt than some military division involved in the Iraq war.
Personally, of these, I like the Greenville and Fletcher route best north of Augusta. The segments from Augusta to Lavonia and from Chatsworth to Maryville don't seem like they'd have much traffic. (The Lavonia to Chatsworth and Maryville to Knoxville however would). Name it something SENSIBLE, if no 2DI's exist, make it a 3DI, it's not THAT long that it requires a 2DI. Or make it two 3DI's. Or name it the _________ Turnpike, and make it toll. Personally, I'd name the section south of Augusta I - 77 (multiplexing I -20 with I - 77), and name the section to Fletcher I - 520
I can think of a fourth:
(4) No real documented need for an Interstate in this corridor.
BTW, Daniel, regarding your #3: you (and numerous others) may well be against the Iraq War. But the 3rd Infantry Division has a long and storied history dating back to WW1, with numerous actions in the European Theater during WW2.
The EWG has posted its costing estimates:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/section_1927/3rd_infantry_highway/expert_working_group/fourth_meeting_minutes.cfm
Of interest, they included a no-build, signage only option that would cost less than $500,000. The interstate-class estimates for the various routes range from $4.2 billion to $6.1 billion.
Here's a link to descriptions of the corridors: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/section_1927/3rd_infantry_highway/design_levels/dl04.cfm#ca
Here's a Savannah newspaper's report on the study:
http://savannahnow.com/news/2011-05-17/new-savannah-knoxville-highway-think-decades-and-billions
Quote from: froggie on May 14, 2011, 12:51:34 PM
No real documented need for an Interstate in this corridor.
Quote
... [John] Mettille, project manager for ICF International, was the highway administration's chief spokesman during the briefing.
He stressed that, so far, the study team has not even identified a need for the project or any way to pay for it ....
Quote from: Daniel Fiddler on May 18, 2011, 10:07:46 AM
I can even agree to a new Savannah - Augusta interstate.
Also, GDOT does not appear too interested ... EXCEPT for the Savannah-Augusta segment:
Quote
Last year, Georgia's Department of Transportation, which has trouble funding even the top of its wish list, said it didn't consider the proposal a high priority.
Stephanie Mayfield, a spokeswoman for Gov. Nathan Deal, noted his support for a $140 million road project to speed up trucking of cargo in and out of the port.
"In these tough budget times," she added, "we have limited options for building new infrastructure, but the Savannah-to-Augusta portion ... enjoys support in both cities and offers a logical route for commerce and travelers."
I can agree to a signage only option. I can even agree to a new Savannah - Augusta interstate.
Quote from: kaothinterceptor on April 05, 2011, 04:12:24 PM
This just happens to be another idea from the Watson Bros., by the way.
Who are the Watson Bros.?
BTW, I was scanning thru channels on XM on my way to work this morning and caught a blurb on the RoadDog Trucking channel about this proposed Knoxville-to-Port of Savannah route, but darned if I can't remember what it was they said about it.
Would SC be interested in an Interstate from Clinton (I-26/I-385 sort of area) to Augusta to extend it to somewhere where Knoxville is easily got to?
I think an Interstate-grade highway between Savannah and Augusta would be a great idea. I have relatives who often travel between Southeast Florida and Augusta for business, and I believe a highway like this would be very useful for them. They currently go through South Carolina!
Tell your relatives to use the Savannah River Parkway: http://www.dot.state.ga.us/informationcenter/programs/roadimprovement/GRIP/Documents/Facts/SavannahRiverParkwayFactSheet.pdf
Quote from: NE2 on May 24, 2011, 04:40:33 PM
Tell your relatives to use the Savannah River Parkway: http://www.dot.state.ga.us/informationcenter/programs/roadimprovement/GRIP/Documents/Facts/SavannahRiverParkwayFactSheet.pdf
A few drawbacks to the Savannah River Pkwy. as it stands now:
* Traffic lights between Garden City/Port of Savannah area and I-95 really tie up traffic during rush hour
* Very few, if any, grade separations with other major US or state routes
* Maximum speed limit on pretty much all of the roadway is 55, and that's something I've noticed about GA lately; I've only been on maybe (2) rural four lane highways with speed limits set at 65 (US 1 between Blythe and Wrens, and US 84 between Jesup and Ludowici)
Of course the Garden City traffic lights can be avoided by taking I-16 west to US 25 north just south of Statesboro, but that adds a few miles.
Quote from: NE2 on May 24, 2011, 04:40:33 PM
Tell your relatives to use the Savannah River Parkway: http://www.dot.state.ga.us/informationcenter/programs/roadimprovement/GRIP/Documents/Facts/SavannahRiverParkwayFactSheet.pdf
Is the Savannah River Parkway well signed?
As US 25 and SR 21, presumably.
EWG has posted Alternative Corridors Suggested By The Public:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/section_1927/3rd_infantry_highway/design_levels/altcorridors_lg.cfm
Since we have a lot of active participants in the Fictional Highways forum, I am curious as to whether anyone in this forum suggested any of the posted alternatives?
I personally did not, neither of those routes are what I'd choose, at least not exactly.
I'm in favor of an I - 24 extension from Chattanooga to Myrtle Beach, multiplexing with I - 75 until north of Dalton, then cutting a new route to near Chatsworth, Ellijay, Dahlonega, and Toccoa before multiplexing with I - 85 near Lavonia, then a few miles past Anderson cutting a new route to I - 385, then multiplexing with I - 385 and I - 26 to Columbia, then multiplexing with I - 77 around the south side of the city and then multiplexing with Hwy 378 until near I - 95, then cutting a new route to Myrtle Beach.
I also do support a Savannah - Augusta - Greenville route. But it does not exactly mirror either of the public's routes.
The EWG has submitted its Report to Congress (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/section_1927/3rd_infantry_highway/report_to_congress/). The Executive Summary (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/section_1927/3rd_infantry_highway/report_to_congress/report00.cfm) states that "fatal flaws" killed the northern portion of Corridor B and entirety of Corridors C and D.
Quote from: froggie on April 04, 2011, 05:41:44 PM
I read through those minutes a bit. One option, not mentioned yet on this forum but suggested by two people in the working group (including the NCDOT rep) is for a No Build/signage option that would only post signs along the corridor honoring the Third Infantray Division. Which, when one boils it down, meets the purpose without spending huge amounts of scarce (and about-to-be-scarcer) transportation dollars on a roadway with dubious benefit and likely opposition (especially in the mountains).
Although the EWG did present the "western alternative" to Congress, in reading the Conclusion in the Executive Summary, I think froggie called it that the "signage only" alternative is the only thing, if anything, that will result from this study:
Quote
Conclusions
A new or improved corridor between Savannah, Augusta, and Knoxville has not been identified in any State DOT or MPO long-range plan.
A new highway corridor from Savannah to Knoxville would result in significant costs, both financial and environmental. This Southern Appalachian region contains a dense mixture of small mountain communities, sensitive environmental resources, and federally managed lands.
Analysis suggests corridors located farther west face fewer environmental and terrain challenges than corridors located in the center or eastern portions of the Study Area. However, significant resources impacts are likely to result from any alternative.
Numerous members of the public have expressed their opposition to this corridor concept and to other new highways proposed in the region.
There is disappointment in Augusta (http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/2012-03-04/study-finds-interstate-connecting-augusta-savannah-and-knoxville-not?v=1330875753) and disappointment in Savannah (http://savannahnow.com/opinion/2012-03-07/i-3-project-disappointing-dead-end).
Yeah, it was pretty obvious that they weren't going to put a high-speed highway across the Smokies on US 129 or US 441.
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on September 07, 2010, 11:23:42 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on September 06, 2010, 09:44:28 PM
I also would not mind an associated feasibility study of extending I-77 southward from Columbia to link with the Savannah-Augusta portion of the proposed road.
I'll second that one. US-321, while it has a high speed limit (55mph), has way too many little towns along it. Plus this would also help relieve traffic on I-95/I-26 by cutting the distance between Savannah and Columbia in half.
55 is a high speed limit?
I notice much debate about the need for the Third Infantry Division Highway from Savannah, Georgia to Knoxville, Tennessee.
An intrastate freeway in Georgia linking Toccoa, Lavonia, Athens, Augusta, and Savannah is pretty much in the making.
US-25 from Augusta to the South Carolina/North Carolina state line is a boulevard with five grade-separated interchanges in Greenwood, Ware Shoals and above Travelers Rest. It is an intrastate freeway up from the state line to I-26.
The problem several people have is a new interstate highway going up through northeast Georgia to Knoxville or Chattanooga, Tennessee Residing in upstate South Carolina, I would welcome any improvements to commute to one of my favorite cities, Chattanooga, without dealing with the Atlanta metropolitan area. Many in northeast Georgia want to see improvements made, but are blinded by NIMBY mindsets. Revisiting and reviving the northern arc highway would be beneficial.