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Home , Barnwell State Park, Big Bald Mountain, Big Frog Wilderness, Brasstown Wilderness, Celo Knob, Citico Creek Wilderness

THIRD INFANTRY

DIVISION HIGHWAY

CORRIDOR STUDY

Task 7 Study Alignments and Design Levels Draft Technical Memorandum

1. Executive Summary

Section 1927 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA‐LU) (P.L. 109‐59) requires “a report that describes the steps and estimated funding necessary to designate and construct a route for the 3rd Infantry Division Highway,” extending from Savannah, to Knoxville, , byy wa of Augusta, Georgia. The intent of this study is to develop planning level cost estimates for potential corridors connecting these urban areas. This information will be presented to Congress to fulfill the statutory language and present an overview of the steps necessary to construct such a corridor. The study is not intended to select an alternative for implementation; it will not necessarily lead to any further planning, design, right‐of‐way acquisition, or construction activities for any specific highway improvement.

This technical memorandum recommends initial study corridors and design levels for the 3rd Infantry Division Highway corridors along with supporting justification and the rationale for the recommendations. Input from the Expert Working Group (EWG) was considered during the development of the Alignments and Design Levels. The EWG is a panel of area transportation officials and federal resource agencies that helps guide the project. The EWG serves as a sounding board to weigh technical options, examine issues from multiple perspectives and, by drawing upon its collective experience, help the team solve problems. Tasks 8‐9 in the study involve examining any corridors recommended for additional study in greater detail. This will include a geospatial analysis of land use and environmental features, socioeconomics, traffic and freight movements, consistency with local plans, and more.

Designers progressed through a four‐step process to identify reasonable corridors which could satisfy the statutory language guiding the study and connect the four control points identified in Figure 1. The final, negotiated scope of work requires the identification of at least four alignment alternatives between Savannah and Lavonia and five alignment alternatives between Lavonia and Knoxville. At least one of the alignments for the entire corridor is required to meet Interstate design standards and at least one alignment should follow substantial portions of existing roadways. The four‐step process was:

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1. Develop preliminary corridor concepts for EWG discussion (see Appendix A) 2. Based on EWG input, develop study corridors (see Figure 2 and discussion in Section 4) 3. Identify sensitive resources in the study area which could be considered “fatal flaws” to future corridor development 4. Screen study corridors against fatal flaw constraints to eliminate corridors that are not reasonable or feasible. Cost estimates and necessary project development steps will be prepared for any study corridors which pass this screening.

Four study corridors were developed by a team of design professionals to follow existing roadways where possible, to avoid major national resources (e.g. National Wildlife Refuges and National Parks) and major waterways to the extent possible, and to incorporate EWG input while connecting the metropolitan areas identified in the statutory language.

Initial Study Corridor Description (see Figure 4) Farthest west option, running along I‐16 west out of Savannah, passing Corridor A west of Augusta, passing east of Athens and Gainesville, and following the western boundary of the National Forests to I‐75 at Cleveland Follows the Savannah River Parkway from Savannah, running west of the Georgia/ state line, and following existing roadways Corridor B through the National Forests and along the western boundary of the National Park to Knoxville Follows the Savannah River Parkway from Savannah, following new and existing alignments through South Carolina from Augusta to west of Corridor C Greenville, and cuts through the National Forests and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on existing alignments Northward path on existing alignments from Savannah to Columbia, Corridor D following I‐26 and US 25 north and west to Knoxville

The density of natural resources, the vast area protected by state or federal designations, and aggressive terrain features throughout the northern portion of the study area create numerous challenges to highway development. Regional residents and organizations have been outspoken about their desire to protect natural and cultural resources by limiting development. Fatal flaws were identified as impacts within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM), extreme mountainous terrain, and failure to connect the control points.

A variety of perspectives suggest a western corridor provides the least objectionable option for the northern portion of the General Study Area (between Lavonia and Knoxville). Based on environmental constraints, constructability and engineering concerns, economic considerations, regional transportation connections, and public opposition, Corridor A from I‐85 at Commerce, along the western boundary of the National Forests, to I‐75 at Cleveland will be used for cost estimation. Other northern corridors would lead to greater impacts ewithin th National Forests, would fall within the GRSM, and would face other terrain/geotechnical obstacles.

For the southern portion of the General Study Area (between Savannah and Lavonia), Corridors A, B, or B1 Bypass along the Savannah River Parkway are recommended for additional study. Either corridor

page 2 provides a comparable level of mobility and impacts which could provide a reasonable, feasible connection to a western corridor beyond Lavonia.

Three potential design levels will be evaluated for each corridor recommended for additional study.

• Interstate: 4‐6 lanes with grade‐separated interchanges and potential viaduct or tunnel sections • Arterial: 4 lanes with at‐grade intersections • Super‐2 Highway: 2‐3 lanes with truck climbing and passing opportunities

The following sections work through the 4‐step corridor identification and screening process in more detail.

2. General Study Area and Control Points

The General Study Area for the project is bounded by existing Interstate facilities. On the east, the General Study Area runs northeast on I‐95 from Savannah to I‐26; northwest on I‐26 through Columbia and Asheville to I‐40; then west on US 25 to I‐40 to Knoxville. On the west, the General Study area runs northwest on I‐516 to I‐16 from Savannah to I‐75 in Macon to Atlanta and north on I‐75 to Knoxville. Separate studies to identify a future 14th Amendment Highway (southwest from Augusta) and Corridor K (an east‐west link in southern Tennessee) are also underway. These two studies have been coordinated to a limited extent with the planning activities for the 3rd Infantry Division Highway study.

Within the General Study Area, Control Points were defined to serve as corridor “wickets” through which potential corridors must pass. The alignments of the corridors can vary significantly between Control Points, but all corridors should pass through the Control Points. The choice of Control Points was based on various considerations: stakeholder preferences, the location of economic development activities and major traffic generators, the location of military bases, logical points in accordance with logical termini definition, and others.

The following are descriptions of the four Control Points:

• Savannah, GA ‐ A connection along I‐516 between the US 80/US 17 interchange and the SR 25 Connector (West Bay Street) Interchange to better serve the key economic resources of Fort Stewart and the Port of Savannah. • Augusta, GA – A corridor crossing I‐520 around Augusta or I‐20 from the western edge of Augusta to a pointt jus to the west of Fort Gordon. • Lavonia, GA – A connection along I‐85 from west of the Greenville Bypass to the US 441 Interchange. • Knoxville, TN –A connection to an existing limited access highway in Knoxville.

Figure 1 shows the established Control Points within the General Study Area, along with other key transportation facilities in the area such as Interstates, Corridor K, and the 14th Amendment Corridor.

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Daniel Boone NF 75 Jefferson NF

Abingdon NRA Galax Gate CityKingsport Bristol 58 111 Oneida Middlesborough 34 Mount Airy 127 Big South Fork 42 NF 21 National River and New Tazewell 357 Livingston Recreation Area Rogersville Mountain City 221 19 La Follette 181 Big Laurel 27 25 Johnson City Branch Wilderness 19 75 421 16 Morristown 81 Pond Mountain Elkin Cookeville Greeneville Wilderness 11 Monterey 32 11 Boone Yadkinville T e n n e s s e e Unaka Mountain 421 Wilderness Fairfield Glade Wartburg Oak Ridge Knoxville Sampson Mountain Erwin North Wilkesboro--Wilkesboro 25 Wilderness 601 Crossville 1511 Oak Ridge National Laboratory 40 66 Newport Taylorsville

25 Linville Gorge Wilderness Harriman--Kingston--Rockwood Statesville 221 Mocksville Lexington Loudon 411 Sevierville Pisgah NF Hickory 321 64 Marion Salisbury Great Smoky Mountains NP Sweetwater 40 Maiden Dayton 441 Madisonville 129 Asheville Eastern Cherokee Westport Mooresville Joyce Kilmer 276 Lincolnton Concord Slickrock Wilderness Indian Reservation 75 Athens Creek Wilderness 74 74 Cherryville 74 Cullowhee Wilderness Forest City Etowah Bald River Albemarle Gorge Wilderness Gee Creek Shelby Gastonia Wilderness Charlotte Cleveland Cherokee NF Franklin Boiling Springs 277 153 Brevard Kings Mountain Little Frog Landrum Mountain Wilderness 11 Clover Nantahala NF 178 24Chattanooga 64 Southern Nantahala Gaffney 485 Wilderness 2 19 York Ellicott Rock Spartanburg Wilderness Rock Hill 160 Cohutta 23 Wingate Wilderness 60 Brasstown Greenville Dalton Wilderness 176 121 521 Chattahoochee NF Wilderness 2 Chatsworth Walhalla La Fayette Wilderness 185 728 Pageland Woodruff 9 Wilderness Union 19 Raven Cliffs 23 76 Clemson Chester 9 Wilderness Ellijay Ed Jenkins 27 19 23 Lancaster Toccoa Williamston Calhoun 129 385 521 78 77 Summerville Anderson 72 Jasper Dahlonega Sumter NF 601 Cornelia 76 411 Honea Path 72 Adairsville 19 Laurens 20 23 Clinton 521 85 Lavonia South121 Carolina Rome 75 Gainesville 441 Hartwell 72 Winnsboro 411 Royston Greenwood 321 575 Commerce Newberry 26 Camden 27 985 72 Bishopville Cartersville Abbeville Cedartown 121 Elberton Winder 29 72 Fort Jackson Rockmart 178 Columbia Athens 72 Sumter NF 378 126 Saluda Sumter 221 76 601 129 521 278 Monroe 22 Batesburg-Leesville Congaree Swamp 285 Bremen Villa Rica Edgefield National Monument 78 1 Walnut Grove 178 Washington 378 121 Carrollton Oconee NF Manning Atlanta 675 Madison Greensboro

Palmetto 20 221 78 27 Augusta Thomson New Ellenton Orangeburg 85 Locust Grove 520 278 Newnan 278 Eatonton 21 178 Jackson 78 Denmark 34 Sparta Fort Gordon Bamberg 100 Oconee NF 441 G e o r g i a Savannah Barnwell 19 1 River Plant LaGrange 321 Forsyth Milledgeville 18 Barnesville NWR Waynesboro Allendale Louisville Sandersville Manchester Thomaston 129 301 Fairfax Walterboro 475 Hampton 319 185 27 Macon 441 21 80 Millen Valley--Lanett 27 80 Sylvania 22 Bond Swamp NWR 64 27 Estill 341 Draft1 Ace Basin NWR Warner Robins 319 95 280 25 321 Fort Valley 221 Dublin 17 19 129 Swainsboro Columbus 80 Ridgeland Perry 22 80 80 Fort Benning 16 Statesboro Cochran Military Reservation 341 Metter Beaufort 19 129 319 Soperton 80 280 Springfield 278 Montezuma Rincon Hawkinsville Bluffton Vidalia Eastman Savannah NWR 341 129 Lyons Hilton Head Island Vienna 280 280 Claxton 119 27 Americus McRae Savannah 23 Tybee Island Eufaula General Study Area 19 Fort Stewart Hunter Army Cordele 23 Airfield 1 Glennville 82 Control Point Wassaw NWR Dawson 75 319 Hinesville Richmond Hill 431 Hazlehurst Cuthbert 82 Corridor K Ashburn Fitzgerald 319 Baxley 17 84 Albany 23 1 14th Amendment Highway 441 82 Sylvester Ocilla 27 319 Douglas Alma Jesup Savannah River Parkway 84 19 Tifton 129 Blackbeard Island Wilderness

Wolf Island Wilderness 0 10 20 40 60 Figure 1 Miles Legend Control Points 3. Preliminary Corridors and EWG Input

At the second meeting of the EWG in December 2010, the project team presented four illustrative corridors to facilitate discussion among EWG members on the range of study alignment corridors. EWG members also identified potential issues to be considered in the corridor evaluation process. Additional information about the preliminary corridors andG EW feedback received is included in Appendix A.

EWG members offered a number of comments regarding sensitive resources that should be considered during the corridor development process. Corridors should avoid protected environmental resources: National Forest lands, federally designated Wilderness Areas, National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and critical endangered species habitats. Geologic concerns such as pyritic rock and mountain ranges are another issue to avoid when developing alignments. Major river crossings and the Savannah Nuclear Station should be avoided. The EWG suggested that a special cross‐section should be developed for segments in sensitive areas, similar to the I‐70 tunnel sections near Denver or the elevated viaducts along the . Also, all potential corridors should be developed before any are eliminated, for example, a link that provides access to Atlanta. Any eliminated corridors will require supporting justification.

4. Study Corridors

Based on the known constraints and input from the EWG, four initial corridor options have been developed. Four study corridors were developed by a team of design professionals to follow existing roadways where possible, to avoid major national resources (e.g. National Wildlife Refuges and GRSM National Park) and major waterways to the extent possible, and to incorporate EWG input while connecting the metropolitan areas identified in the statutory language. Corridors are shown in Figure 2.

General descriptions of the corridors were presented in section 1. The following presents a more detailed description of individual segments of Corridors A, B, C, and D. In addition to the four primary routes, a series of small connectors form potential links between corridors. These connectors allow transitions from one corridor to another; for example, Segment AB forms a link between the southern portion of Corridor A and the northern portion of Corridor B.

For comparison, the distance between downtown Savannah (I‐16/I‐516 interchange) to downtown Knoxville (I‐40/I‐275 interchange) is 420 miles along the eastern boundary of the study area, following I‐ 95 to I‐26 to US 25 to I‐40. Along the western boundary, the route is 460 miles, following I‐16 to I‐75. The distance between these points is 435 miles along Corridor A, 365 miles along Corridor B, 370 miles along Corridor C, or 385 miles along Corridor D. All distances in this memo are measured along the centerline of the corridor and do not account for horizontal/vertical curves that would occur in an actual roadway alignment.

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Daniel Boone NF 75 Jefferson NF

Abingdon Mount Rogers NRA Galax Gate CityKingsport Bristol 58 111 Oneida Middlesborough 34 Mount Airy 127 Big South Fork 42 Cherokee NF 21 National River and New Tazewell 357 Livingston Recreation Area Rogersville Mountain City 221 181 19 Big Laurel La Follette Branch Wilderness 27 25 Johnson City 19 75 421 16 Morristown 81 Elkin Cookeville Greeneville Pond Mountain 11 Wilderness Monterey 32 Unaka Mountain 11 Wilderness Boone Yadkinville T e n n e s s e e 421 Fairfield Glade Wartburg Oak Ridge Knoxville Sampson Mountain Erwin North Wilkesboro--Wilkesboro 25 Wilderness 601 Crossville 1511 Oak Ridge National Laboratory 40 66 Newport Pisgah NF Taylorsville 25 y w Linville Gorge Harriman--Kingston--Rockwood C4 D3 Pk Wilderness e Statesville g 221 Mocksville Lexington Loudon 411 Sevierville id R Hickory e 64 321 u A7 Bl Marion Salisbury Great Smoky Mountains NP Sweetwater 40 Maiden Dayton 441 Madisonville 129 Asheville Eastern Cherokee Westport Mooresville Joyce Kilmer B6 276 Lincolnton Concord Slickrock Wilderness Indian Reservation North Carolina 75 Athens 74 74 Cherryville Shining Rock 74 Cullowhee Wilderness Forest City Etowah Bald River Albemarle Gorge Wilderness Gee Creek Shelby Gastonia Middle Prong Wilderness BC Wilderness Charlotte Cleveland Cherokee NF Franklin Boiling Springs 277 153 C3 Brevard Kings Mountain Little Frog Landrum Mountain Wilderness 11 Clover Nantahala NF 178 CD North 24Chattanooga Big Frog Wilderness 64 Southern Nantahala Gaffney 485 A6 East Wilderness 2 19 York A6 West Ellicott Rock Spartanburg Wilderness Rock Hill 160 Cohutta 23 Wingate Wilderness 60 Brasstown Greenville Dalton Wilderness B5 Tray Mountain 176 121 521 Chattahoochee NF Wilderness 2 Chatsworth Mark Trail Walhalla La Fayette Wilderness 185 728 Pageland Rich Mountain Woodruff 9 Wilderness Union 19 Raven Cliffs 23 76 Clemson Chester 9 Wilderness Ellijay Ed Jenkins 27 National D2 Recreation Area 19 23 Lancaster Toccoa Williamston Calhoun 129 385 521 78 77 Summerville Anderson 72 Jasper Dahlonega Sumter NF 601 Cornelia A5 Honea Path 76 72 Adairsville 411 19 AB Laurens 20 23 Clinton 521 85 Lavonia South121 Carolina Rome 75 Gainesville 441 Hartwell 72 Winnsboro 411 Royston Greenwood 321 575 Commerce Newberry 26 Camden 27 985 B4 72 Bishopville Cartersville Abbeville Cedartown 121 Elberton C2 Winder 29 72 Fort Jackson Rockmart 178 Columbia Athens 72 Sumter NF 378 126 Saluda Sumter 221 CD South 76 601 129 A4 521 278 Monroe 22 Batesburg-Leesville Congaree Swamp 285 Bremen Villa Rica Edgefield National Monument 78 1 Walnut Grove 178 Washington 378 121 Carrollton Oconee NF Manning Atlanta 675 Madison Greensboro

Palmetto 20 221 78 27 D1 Augusta Thomson New Ellenton Orangeburg 85 Locust Grove 520 278 Newnan 278 Eatonton A3B3 21 178 Jackson 78 Denmark 34 Sparta Fort Gordon Bamberg 100 C1 Oconee NF 441 G e o r g i a Savannah Barnwell 19 1 River Plant LaGrange 321 Forsyth Milledgeville 18 Barnesville Piedmont NWR Waynesboro Allendale Louisville Sandersville Manchester A2B2 Thomaston 129 301 Fairfax Walterboro 475 Hampton 319 185 27 Macon 441 21 80 Millen Valley--Lanett 27 80 Sylvania 22 Bond Swamp NWR 64 27 Estill 341 1 Ace Basin NWR Warner Robins 319 B1 95 280 25 321 Fort Valley 221 Dublin 17 19 129 Swainsboro Columbus 80 Ridgeland Perry 22 80 80 Fort Benning 16 Statesboro Cochran Military Reservation 341 Metter Beaufort 19 129 319 Soperton 80 280 A1 278 Montezuma Rincon Hawkinsville B1 Bypass Bluffton Vidalia Eastman Savannah NWR 341 129 Lyons Hilton Head Island Vienna 280 280 Claxton 119 27 Americus McRae Savannah 23 Tybee Island Eufaula General Study Area 19 Fort Stewart Hunter Army Cordele 23 Airfield 1 Glennville 82 Control Point Wassaw NWR Dawson 75 319 Hinesville Richmond Hill 431 Hazlehurst Cuthbert 82 Corridor K Ashburn Fitzgerald 319 Baxley 17 84 Albany 23 1 14th Amendment Highway 441 82 Sylvester Ocilla 27 319 Douglas Alma Jesup Savannah River Parkway 84 19 Tifton 129 Blackbeard Island Wilderness

Wolf Island WildernessFigure 2 0 5 10 15 20 40 60 Legend Miles Initial Study Alternatives A corridor to/through Atlanta was not included in the list of options to be considered. Interstate and arterial links within the metropolitan area experience congestion and substantial delays. The 2005 Atlanta Regional Commission’s Regional Transportation Plan identified the majority of regional roadways in Dekalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and northern Fulton Counties as congested based on travel times during peak periods. Previous proposals to create a new bypass north and east of Atlanta met with substantial local opposition and were dismissed from further development. In addition, the scope of work for the project identifies a control point at Lavonia, east of Atlanta, as an intermediate destination along the proposed corridor.

a. Corridor A

Corridor A between Savannah and Knoxville is made up of segments A1, A2B2, A3B3, A4, A5, A6 (west or east option), and A7. Connecting segment AB makes it possible to link segments A1, A2B2, A3B3, A4 to Corridor B further north. The following segments make up Corridor A; gray cells represent options branching off of the primary Corridor A corridor:

Segment Description Length Begins in Savannah, moving westward along the I‐16 Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway corridor. This section of roadway currently has four 48 travel lanes. Turns northward at US 25/US 301 and runs through Statesboro. US 25/US 301 is currently a four‐lane, controlled access, divided rural A1 highway, transitioning to a five lane section with a center turn lane 14 entering Statesboro. This segment follows the Veterans Memorial Parkway bypass around the western side of Statesboro. North of Statesboro, veers northwest along US 25 to Millen. This section of roadway is under construction currently to widen the route to a four‐ 24 lane, divided highway. From Millen, continues north along US 25 to Waynesboro. This section of roadway is generally a four‐lane, controlled access, divided rural A2B2 highway. Through Waynesboro, the existing route has an urban cross 26 section, with curbs, at‐grade intersections and driveways, and turn lanes. North of Waynesboro, turns west on new alignment, creating a link south and west of Fort Gordon to I‐20. The corridor interchanges with I‐ 35 A3B3 20 near Thomson, at the western edge of the Augusta Control Point. Continuing northbound across I‐20, generally follows the US 78 corridor 18 north towards Washington. The US 78 corridor is a two‐lane highway. Follows the US 78 corridor northwest towards Athens. The US 78 corridor is a two‐lane highway east of Crawford, and has two to three 50 lanes from Crawford to Athens. A4 East of Athens, turns northward around the city center. It then follows the US 441 corridor north to Commerce and I‐85, connecting at the 26 western end of the Lavonia Control Point. This section of roadway is generally a four‐lane, controlled access, divided rural highway.

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Segment Description Length North of Segment A4, generally follows the US 441 corridor into the AB Chattahoochee National Forest. This section of roadway is a four‐lane, 39 Connector controlled access, divided highway. Curves west from the US 441 intersection with SR 164 to Dahlonega on A5 new alignment. This creates a new 40‐mile highway link well north of 32 developed areas in Gainesville. From Dahlonega to Ellijay, generally follows the SR 52 corridor along the 32 southern boundary of the Chattahoochee National Forest. West of Ellijay, generally follows the US 76 corridor west and north to 22 Chatsworth. At Chatsworth, turns northward and follows US 411 along the eastern side of the Chattahoochee National Forest, across the A6 West Georgia/Tennessee state line, and continues north to the intersection 25 with US 64 east of Cleveland. US 411 has a five‐lane cross section just north of Chatsworth, dropping to a two‐lane cross section along the National Forest boundary. North of the US 64‐US 411 intersection, continues northward on a new alignment, joining I‐75 north of Cleveland. This segment follows I‐75 39 from Cleveland to Sweetwater. At Dahlonega, turns northward to follow SR 60 through the Chattahoochee National Forest to the Tennessee/Georgia state line. 44 This section of highway has two travel lanes and narrow shoulders. A6 East In Tennessee, follows SR 68 north through the and on to I‐75 near Sweetwater. Through this section, SR 68 is generally 51 a two‐lane highway. From Sweetwater, runs along the existing I‐75 corridor, terminating at I‐ A7 24 40 at the Knoxville Control Point.

b. Corridor B

Corridor B between Savannah and Knoxville is made up of segments B1, A2B2, A3B3, B4, B5, and B6. The B1 Bypass option provides an opportunity to bypass congested sections within Segment B1. Connecting segment BC makes it possible to link segments B1, A2B2, A3B3, B4, B5 to Corridor C further enorth. Th following segments make up Corridor B; gray cells represent options branching off of the primary Corridor B corridor:

Segment Description Length Begins in Savannah, traveling northwest along SR 21/Savannah River B1 Parkway to Millen. This section of SR 21 is a four‐lane, controlled 73 access, divided rural highway. Begins in Savannah and exits the city along SR 21 and the Jimmy Deloach Parkway. West of I‐95, the corridor travels north on new alignment B1 Bypass west of SR 21/Savannah River Parkway to Springfield. This segment 75 creates a new link, bypassing existing congestion along SR 21. North of Springfield, follows the Corridor B corridor described above.

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Segment Description Length From Millen, continues north along US 25 to Waynesboro. This section of roadway is generally a four‐lane, controlled access, divided rural A2B2 highway. Through Waynesboro, the existing route has an urban cross 26 section, with curbs, at‐grade intersections and driveways, and turn lanes. North of Waynesboro, turns west on new alignment, creating a link south and west of Fort Gordon. The corridor interchanges with I‐20 near 35 A3B3 Thomson, at the western edge of the Augusta Control Point. Continuing northbound across I‐20, generally follows the US 78 corridor 18 north towards Washington. The US 78 corridor is a two‐lane highway. East of Washington, continues northwards on new alignment. It roughly follows SR 17 to SR 77 to I‐85 at the Lavonia Control Point, just west of 61 B4 the Georgia/South Carolina state line. North of I‐85, travels northwards on new alignment just west of the 25 Georgia/South Carolina state line to US 23. Follows the US 23/US 441 alignment northward through the National Forests from west of Toccoa, Georgia to Franklin, North Carolina. US B5 30 23/US 441 is a controlled access four‐lane highway along this portion of the route. North of Franklin, continues northeast from segment B5 along the BC existing US 441 alignment and joins Corridor C at the Eastern Cherokee 30 Connector Indian Reservation. North of Franklin, generally follows SR 28 westwards to Tellico Road/Otter Creek Road to Wayah Road. SR 28, Tellico Road, Otter Creek 20 Road, and Wayah Road are narrow two‐lane roadways traveling through the National Forest. From Wayah Road, continues westward along US 129 through the National Forests, over the North Carolina/Tennessee state line, around 28 B6 the western edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. US 129 is a two lane highway. Beyond the National Forest boundary, continues north along US 129 through Maryville then along I‐140 to I‐40 within the Knoxville Control Point. US 129 is a two‐lane highway south of Maryville, transitioning to 34 a four‐lane, controlled highway between Maryville and Knoxville, and six lanes entering Knoxville frome th south.

c. Corridor C

Corridor C follows Corridor A or B from Savannah to just south of Augusta. From there, Corridor C is made up of segments C1, C2, C3, and C4. Connecting segment CD South makes it possible to link segment C1 to Corridor D further north. Connecting segment CD North makes it possible to link segments C1 and C2 to Corridor D further north. The following segments make up Corridor C; gray cells represent options branching off of the primary Corridor C corridor:

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Segment Description Length Begins just south of Augusta, connecting to the southern portion of either Corridor A or Corridor B. North of Waynesboro, continues C1 northward along the US 25/Savannah River Parkway alignment to 11 southern Augusta. This section of roadway is a four‐lane, controlled access, divided rural highway. From US 25/Savannah River Parkway just south of Augusta, follows I‐520 20 CD South east around the city, along the Augusta Control Point to I‐20. Connector North of I‐20, follows the existing SR 121 alignment through South 59 Carolina to I‐26. Beyond Augusta, SR 121 is a two‐lane highway. South of Augusta, turns west and creates a western bypass of the city, passing on the eastern side of Fort Gordon. This link creates a 15 connection to I‐20 near the SR 388 interchange at the Augusta Control Point. Crosses I‐20 in eastern Augusta and continues northwards on new alignment to US 221 at the southern tip of Clarks Hill Lake on the 11 Georgia/South Carolina state line. Continues north generally following the existing US 221 alignment, which runs along the eastern side of Clarks Hill Lake and through Sumter C2 National Forest. US 221 is a two‐lane highway. The segment follows the 47 US 221 alignment around the eastern side of Greenwood, South Carolina. From Greenwood, travels northwest along the existing US 178 corridor to Honea Path. US 178 has a five‐lane section at Greenwood, which 22 changes to a two‐lane highway for most of this section of the route. North of Honea Path, creates a connection on a new alignment to I‐85 between Greenville and Anderson, at the eastern end of the Lavonia 29 Control Point. North of I‐85, continues north on new alignment to near the US 178/US 123 intersection. CD North Creates a new alignment from Segment C2 north and west of Greenville 37 Connector to I‐26 south of Asheville, following Corridor D. Continues north along US 178 across the North Carolina/South Carolina state line to its northern end near Rosman, North Carolina on the 24 eastern edge of the Nantahala National Forest. US 178 is a two‐lane highway. North of Rosman, follows SR 215 through the Nantahala National Forest C3 to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is also a National Park. SR 215 is a 12 two‐lane highway with narrow shoulders. Continues northwest along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through the National Forest and is a two‐lane highway 29 with narrow shoulders. This segment follows its alignment to the intersection with US 441 at Cherokee, North Carolina. North of Cherokee, follows the existing US 441/ Road alignment through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to C4 43 Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Through the park, US 441 is a two‐lane highway but is closed during winter months.

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Segment Description Length At Gatlinburg, creates a new alignment to connect to I‐40. The new route would pass east of developed areas around Sevierville then 20 follows I‐40 westward to the Knoxville Control Point.

d. Corridor D

Corridor D between Savannah and Knoxville is made up of segments D1, D2, and D3. Corridor D generally follows existing Interstates but does not intersect the Augusta or Lavonia Control Points. The following segments make up Corridor D:

Segment Description Length Begins in Savannah, traveling north on I‐95 into South Carolina to US 321. 12 Continues along US 321 until it reaches I‐26 south of Columbia, South 118 D1 Carolina. US 321 has a two‐lane cross section. Follows I‐26 northward through Columbia to near Newberry. This 40 segment of Interstate has a four lane cross‐section. Follows I‐26 along the eastern boundary of the General Study Area from D2 Newberry, South Carolina to just south of Asheville, North Carolina. This 85 segment of Interstate has a four lane cross‐section. Around Asheville, transitions from the I‐26 corridor to generally follow the US 25 corridor northward. The corridor continues north and east across the North Carolina/Tennessee state line to join I‐40 near Newport. 73 D3 US 25 has a four‐lane cross section while it runs near I‐26, transitioning to a two‐lane section moving westward. From Newport, follows the existing I‐40 corridor north and west to the 41 Knoxville Control Point. I‐40 has four to six lanes west of Knoxville.

5. Design Levels

Per the scope of work and input from the EWG, three roadway design levels will be considered along the proposed corridors: Interstate, Arterial, and Super‐2. At this conceptual level of detail, any design level could be applied to any corridor segment. Following the corridor screening process, recommendations will be developed regarding the most appropriate design level to apply to each segment recommended for additional study.

a. Interstate

The first design level complies with the typical design standards for an Interstate route. The actual cross section can vary depending on the width, design speed, type of median, and the terrain. Illustrative typical sections for the standard Interstate route are shown in Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 represents a 4‐lane section on new alignment, which could be widened to 6 lanes in the future. Figure 4 presents an existing 4‐lane arterial conversion to an Interstate design level.

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Interstate System design standards require that an Interstate has no at‐grade intersections. For this planning level of analysis, it is assumed that connections would be made through grade‐separated interchanges. Smaller cross streets would either be terminated on either side of the proposed alignment or passed over/under the proposed facility.

A variation of this design level is a special Interstate section, specifically identified for areas of rugged terrain or in environmentally sensitive areas. The special Interstate design level incorporates elevated roadway sections on viaduct to minimize impacts. This cross‐section would reduce the roadway footprint by reducing the need for cut/fill sections. It also helps to address concerns with rock slides, which are inherent due to the region’s geology. The special Interstate section is shown on Figure 5. Connections would be planned with grade‐separated interchanges.

Examples of the special Interstate design level are found on Interstates and parkways throughout the country: the 4,600‐foot tunnel on US 25E near the , Tennessee, and Virginia border; tunnels through the along the turnpike, I‐70, and I‐76; and I‐ 70 through Glenwood Canyon. Special interstate sections may help eliminate the need for seasonal road closures through the GRSM or address existing landslide issues along I‐40 and similar roadways.

b. Arterial

The second design level option is for a four‐lane, divided highway with at‐grade intersections, as shown on Figure 6. Grade‐separated interchanges may be included at major arterial junctions with other arterial routes. Four‐lane arterials typically have 60‐70 mph design speeds with 12‐foot lanes and full width paved shoulders. The actual width of the median can vary.

c. Super‐2

The third design level option is for a two‐lane highway with at‐grade intersections, as shown on Figure 7. Super‐2 highways start with standard two‐lane cross sections and, as needed, a third lane is added for passing, truck climbing, turning, and other purposes. Research shows Super‐2 highways are typically safer than two‐lane highways and can be constructed at lower costs than traditional four‐lane highways.

6. Sensitive Resources

Readily available data from a variety of online sources was assembled to provide an overview of environmental attributes within the study area. Appendix B contains a detailed segment‐by‐segment comparison of impacts at a planning level. Table 2 provides a summary matrix of impacts.

a. Protected Lands

Geospatial data was assembled to identify large tracts of protected lands: National Forests, military installations, nature preserves, National Parks and Recreational Areas, state parks, federally designated Wilderness Areas, water bodies, and more. These areas are shown in Figures 8 and 9. Although these areas do not represent all of the constraints to highway development in the study area, they do represent the largest protected features.

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Table 2: Comparison of Major Impacts by Corridor

Follows Distance in GA Community Karst Landslide Corridor Existing Transportation Network Park Impacts National Wilderness / Wildlife Zones* Terrain Protected Other Features Impacts Potential Potential Alignment Forests Mountains

Most Moderate to Corridor A Safety Issues in Savannah 1 adjacent None Likely 1 WMA adjacent Level No Yes Clarks Hill Lake (25% new) High

Some** Congestion Issues in Savannah, can be Moderate to Corridor B 1 adjacent None Likely 1 WMA adjacent Level No Yes Clarks Hill Lake; Lake Louise Augusta

(25‐40% new) avoided following B1 Bypass corridor High to

Most** Potential congestion/safety issues in Moderate to Corridor C 1 adjacent None Likely 1 WMA adjacent Level No Yes Fort Gordon; Clarks Hill Lake; Lake Louise (10‐30% new) Savannah High Savannah Moderate to Corridor D All Congestion Issues in Savannah None None Likely Level No Yes Does not intersect Augusta or Lavonia Control Points High

Bypasses Congestion at Augusta and Moderate to Corridor A All 2 adjacent None Likely None Level No No Clarks Hill Lake Atlanta High

Some Moderate to Corridor B Minimal impacts None None Likely None Level No No Clarks Hill Lake; Lake Louise

Lavonia (75% new) High to

Most Moderate to Corridor C Bypasses congestion in Augusta** 1 adjacent 18 miles Likely None Level No No Fort Gordon; Clarks Hill Lake; Lake Louise (30% new) High Augusta Moderate to Corridor D All Minimal impacts None None Likely 1 NHA adjacent Level No No Does not intersect Augusta or Lavonia Control Points High Safety Issues and Congestion in Most 2 WMA along; Corridor A (West) Knoxville; Spur to I‐75; Link to Corridor None 1.5 miles Likely Moderate Yes Yes High Lake Zwerner dam; Carters Lake; Hiwassee River; (20% new) 2 WMA adjacent K Moderate to Corridor A (East) All Link to Corridor K None 53 miles Likely 2 WMA along Moderate Yes Yes Hiwassee River; Blue Ridge Lake; Tennessee River High ; Tallulah Falls Lake; ; Fort Knoxville

3 adjacent Gamelands; 1 NHA along; Corridor B All Link to Corridor K 79 miles Likely Aggressive Yes Yes High Foudon Lake; Tellico Lake; Chilhowee Lake; Calderwood Lake; to including GRSM 5 NHA adjacent Santeetlah Lake; Cheoah River Most Black bear sanctuary; 7 NHA Extremely Lavonia Corridor C Bypasses Congestion in Sevierville 20 miles in GRSM 29 miles Likely No Yes High Cherokee Reservation; Douglass Lake; French (15% new) along; 7 NHA adjacent Aggressive

Potential to bypass Congestion in Black Bear Sanctuary; 3 NHA Moderate to Corridor D All 1 adjacent 41 miles Likely Aggressive No Yes Appalachian Trail, , Douglass Lake Asheville along; 2 NHA adjacent High

* NHA = Natural Heritage Area designated by North Carolina Natural Heritage Program; WMA = Wildlife Management Area (Georgia) ** Depending on whether existing SR 21 alignment or Bypass selected Chattahoochee NF Anderson

Lula Tract WMA Honea Path Laurens Whitten Village Center Cornelia Hartwell Lake Clinton Wilson Shoals WMA 321 Sadlers Creek State Recreation Area 29

Hart SP Humane Society USA Wildlife Land Trust Green Tracts

SNF Enoree Ranger District Botanical and Zoological Area Winnsboro Hartwell 72 221 121 Hartwell Farms I 76 176 Victoria Bryant SP Hart County WMA

Royston Newberry

Freeman Tract Commerce Odum Watershed 34

Broad River NA Lake Greenwood State Recreation Area Odum Tract Greenwood Elbert County WMA Humane Society USA Wildlife Land Trust Richard B. Russell SP 72 Abbeville

Humane Society USA Wildlife Land Trust Ninety Six National Historic Site Gumlog-rivermist

Jeffco Chestnut Hill PlantationNipper Creek Heritage Preserve 121 State Fire Academy Hardman Memorial Forest Park Elberton SNF Long Cane Ranger District Botanical and Zoological Area

Sumter National Forest Dreher Island State Recreation Area

Mulberry2 Kesler Mulberry USC-Monticello Road Property Southeast Regional Land Conservancy Broad River Complex

Fennell Sandy Creek Park Watson Mill Bridge SP Cook B4 178 Noahs Landing Calhoun Falls State Recreation Area

Winthrop Oconee River Land Trust 321 Nature Walk 72 Buff Tract Nautre Walk Winder Bear Creek Sandy Creek Nature Center 378 Thomas Farm Broad River WMA Saluda USC-Columbia Campus Athens Land Trust Sumter NF 378 Athens Martin Meadow 221 Williams-Brice Stadium Abbey West Columbia Odum Hardin Property Savannah River Lakes John De La Howe School Horseshoebend - Ecology Research Area

Oconee Forest Park Dove Creek 29 Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve North Oconee River Greenway McCormick Correctional Institution State Botanical Gardens of Georgia Athens Land Trust C2 Cohen Campbell Fish Hatchery/Styx Compound Double Bridges Farm Rock And Shoals Outcrop NA Whitehall Forest Baker Creek State Park Batesburg-Leesville A4 Hickory Knob State Resort Park Helfman Meyers Wright Widener

Bath Fishing Creek WMA

Boulder Springs 22 Elijah Clarke SP Shealy's Pond Heritage Preserve Rolling Glen Soap Creek WMA CD South Peachtree Rock Preserve

Janet Harrison Highpond Heritage Preserve 78 Edgefield 1 178 Redlands WMA Three Mile Creek

Hamilton Branch State Recreation Area

Taylor Tree Nursery Washington 378 121

Stevens Creek Heritage Preserve Oconee River Land Trust Goldthwaite Hard Labor Creek SP Camp Long (4-H Camp) Bear Branch Heritage Preserve

Gopher Branch Heritage Preserve

Clark Hill WMA Mistletoe SP

Georgia Land Trust Keg Creek WMA 278 Madison Georgia Land Trust Georgia Land Trust Henderson Heritage Preserve Georgia Land Trust Mason Wildlife Preserve North Air Force Auxiliary Field Central Savannah River Land Trust

Central Savannah River Land Trust Georgia Land Trust Greensboro A. H. Stephens SP

Alibi Farms (Land Trust Preserve) 1 Alibi Farms (Conservation Easement)

Heggie's Rock Preserve Hitchcock Woods Aiken State Natural Area Heggies Rock Easement

Savannah River Bluffs Heritage Preserve 78 321 78 Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve 27 Thomson

Southeast Regional Land Conservancy 27 1 4-H Center Georgia Land Trust Augusta 278 278 New Ellenton Redcliffe State Historic Site Phinizy Swamp WMA B. F. Grant WMA 278 78

McDuffie PFA and FH Oconee WMA 278 National Wild Turkey Federation

Future Barnwell County Prison

Eatonton Spirit Creek Forest A3B3 Fort Gordon Edisto Research And Education Center SCE&G-Edisto River Tract Bobcat Landing/Boat Ramp Long Branch Bay Heritage Preserve Bamberg Sparta 221 Denmark

Craig Pond Tract

OconeeOconee NF NF

Savannah River Plant Nuclear Waste Site C1 Boggy Gut Creek Easement Barnwell D1 Hamburg SP

Lake Sinclair Boat Ramp 1 Bamberg County Cobane

Oconee River Land Trust 278 Cathedral Bay Heritage Preserve

North American Land Trust Burke01 Piedmont NWR Cedar Creek WMA

Well Cluster Site C-7 National Wild Turkey Federation Buford's Bridge Landing/Boat Ramp

Battle Milledgeville Yuchi WMA

Waynesboro Burke02 Berry Farm Conservation Area

Little Hell Landing/Boat Ramp Rivers Bridge State Historic Site 301

Baldwin State Forest Louisville Allendale Sandersville Dilane WMA A2B2 Allendale Correctional Institution Fairfax

Macon Burke03 National Wild Turkey Federation National Wild Turkey Federation

Griswoldville HS Magnolia Springs SP National Wild Turkey Federation Hampton

Oconee River 319 Big Dukes Pond NA Ocmulgee National Monument Englehard

Jenkins01

221 Cohen's Bluff Boat Ramp Lake Warren State Park

Lake George Warren Millen Tuckahoe WMA Georgia Land Trust

Balls Ferry SP 601

Bond Swamp NWR 221 Sylvania 129 Estill 441 Estill Federal Correctional Institution

Echeconnee Creek NA 23 Beaverdam WMA 35 B1 321

Warner Robins Georgia Forestry Commission 25 Robins AFB

129 Swainsboro James W. Webb Wildlife Center 129 Hugh M. Gillis PFA Ocmulgee Land Trust 80 Palachucola Wildlife Management Area 301 Georgia Land Trust Dublin George L. Smith SP

Ohoopee Dunes NA

22 Ohoopee Dunes Preserve 80 Jasper County Generating Station Site

Georgia Forestry Commission

Tillman Sand Ridge Heritage Preserve Georgia Land Trust Niederhof Seed Orchard Oaky Woods WMA Oliver Bridge WMA River Bend WMA

Georgia Land Trust 129 Georgia Forestry Commission Statesboro

Cochran Charles Harrold Preserve Southeast Regional Land Conservancy Georgia Land Trust Georgia Land Trust Stokes Bush Georgia Land Trust Soperton Georgia Land Trust Metter Georgia Land Trust Little Lotts Creek Georgia Land Trust Ocmulgee WMA and PFA Georgia Land Trust

Fifteen Mile Creek Easement Ocmulgee River 80 129 319 Springfield Georgia Forestry Commission

A1 Sergeant Jasper County Park Hawkinsville 80

Georgia Forestry Commission Saraland Georgia Forestry Commission Tall Timbers Land Conservancy Rincon 341 B1 Bypass Maurene Plantation Vidalia Savannah River NA Eastman Georgia Land Trust Lyons Rocky Creek

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

Savannah NWR Dodge County PFA greenspace program acquisition Claxton Georgia Land Trust 25 Georgia Land Trust 280 Georgia Land Trust Pipe Makers Evans County PFA 119 Delta Plantation Okefenokee NWR

Little Ocmulgee SP

Gordonia Alatamaha SP Pooler

Ogeechee Boat Ramp

Jones Canal McRae Southbridge AlabamaSavannah Junction Georgia Land Trust

280 Audubon Environmental Land Trust 23 129 23 Fort Stewart Hunter Air Base

280 Skidaway Institute Ogeechee River Easement Wormsloe Easement Wormsloe HS Bullard Creek WMA Skidaway Island SP 23 Deens Landing Boat Ramp Towns Bluff Boat Ramp Glennville Richmond Hill Sterling Creek Moody Forest PreserveMoody Forest NA

Easons Bluff Boat Ramp 1 NWR Fort Mcallister SP Georgia Land Trust

Bowens Mill FH Carters Bight Boat Ramp Big Hammock NA Hazlehurst Hinesville Flemington 17 Big Hammock WMA

Appling01 Horse Creek WMA 221 Jerico River NA 23 Baxley Ossabaw Island WMA Richmond Hill WMA 441 Flat Tub WMA Altamaha River Scenic Easements 129 Cay Creek Baxley

South Carolina National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Georgia Ducks Unlimited Federal Wilderness FS Army Corps of Engineers Private Conservation Easement Land Trust Georgia Forestry Commission Army Corps of Engineers DOD Wilderness FWS Botanical Reserve State Lands Athens-Clarke County Department of Energy DOE Wilderness NPS Conservation Easement State Natural Heritage Preserve Board of Regents Natural Resources Conservation Service Indian Reservations BIA State Park Figure 8 Department of Defense (DoD) State Parks & Recreation Areas Broad River Watershed Association Tall Timbers Land Conservancy National Recreation Area FS Local Park Ducks Unlimited Easement State School Lands Corps of Engineers The Nature Conservancy of Georgia National Recreation Area NPS National Parks (State) Protected Lands Federal Lands State Wildlife Reserves Department of Defense U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wilderness National Forests (State) Legend Forest Service (USFS) TNC Preserve Department of Natural Resources U.S. Forest Service Wildlife Management Area Local Land Trust Preserve/Easement Wildlife/Recreation Management Area Department of Transportation County 0 1 2 3 4 5 10 15 South National Historic Site Miles FROZEN HEAD HOUSE MOUNTAIN FROZEN HEAD Morristown Bumpus Cove WMA Unaka Mountain WildernessUnaka Mountain Wartburg Greeneville

Sampson Mountain Wilderness Erwin

441 Nolichucky WMA Catoosa WMA 62 11

John Sevier Rifle Range 25 Gorge Oak Ridge Rankin Bottom WMA Roan Mountain Massif

70 Keyes-Harrison WMA Fairfield Glade 25 North Cherokee NF & WMA Whiterock Cliffs Black Pine Ridge 19 R Whiteoak Flats Branch /Nolichucky River Aquatic Habitat C R Knoxville 61 E Gann Branch Luper Mountain V A Henderson Island Refuge E Crossville B Cane River Aquatic Habitat

Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge WMA Gott Family Farm Forks Of The River WMA CUMBERLAND MOUNTAIN 162 Allen Branch Andrew Johnson Game Refuge 158 Big Flat/Rice Gap CAMPBELL BEND BARRENS Sams Gap/High Rock Hensley Branch Headwaters Mt. Roosevelt WMA CUMBERLAND MOUNTAINCUMBERLAND MOUNTAIN Harriman--Kingston--Rockwood Newport Paint Rock Road Natural Area CROWDER CEMETERY BARRENS 66 Elk Shoal Creek Headwaters 25 k Cree Couch k Murray Branch Slopes OZONE FALLS MARBLE SPRINGS Couch Bacchus Spiraea Sites c Davis Branch Floodplain o R Mine Ridge 127 Stokely Hollow and Ridge Big Laurel Creek Gorge PLATEAU PROPERTIES 411 Gordon

Lovers Leap/Stackhouse Slopes Lower French Broad River Aquatic Habitat 23 D3 Georges Fork Headwaters 32 Mountain Island 321 Wilkinson 70 Spring Creek Aquatic Habitat Sevierville Squirrel Branch Oaks Aquatic Habitat Doe Branch Forest/Cody Cliffs Crooked Creek Meadow Bog Upper Bowlens Creek Forests Spring Creek Gorge High Knob Tracts DEVIL STEP HOLLOW Big RockPisgah Spring NF High Knob Tracts Maidenhair Ravine Toodies Creek Headwaters SAM HOUSTON SCHOOL

Spring Creek Mountain Price Creek/Coxcomb Mountain Eskota--Big Fork Ridge Paint Rock Refuge Ogle Meadows South Toe Swamp Forest-Bog Complex Dalton Celo Community Natural Area 411 Ivy Creek Sugar Maple/Chestnut Oak Slope Big Fork Ridge--Cattail Creek

Ivy Knob 129 CarlyleNorth Fork Ivy Creek Cove Sevenmile Ridge Swamp Forest-Bog Complex Razor Mountain Farm

Black Mountains/ Natural Area Snowbird Creek/Cedar Cliff Overlook Natural Area PINEY FALLS Ivy River Dam Cliffs High Knob/Sugarhouse Cove STINGING FORK FALLS Cedar Cliff Knob Cane River Upper Watershed Cold Spring Bog Brush Fence Ridge/Point Misery Fall Branch Forests Williams Branch Slope State Park 129 Whites Mill Refuge 321 Beartree Ridge Salt Bin/Mount Sterling Creek Yellowwood Slopes Loudon 321 Walker Cove Mount Sterling Creek Forests PINEY RIVER Brunk Family Farm I Naked Place Mountain McCutchen I Hurricane Gap Branch Locust Ridge Outcrop Pigeon Ford Rare Species Habitat Slickrock Branch Coves Hurricane Ridge Panther Cliffs Hurricane Creek Forests Sawmill Branch Sandymush Creek/Turkey Creek Gorge C4 Alexander Cliffs and Slopes Tellico Village Gilliland Creek Forests Spring Creek Trillium Slope Flat Creek Serpentine Dike Laurel Ridges Black Mountains/Bald Knob ROUNDTOP MOUNTAIN Mackey Mountain The Craggies North Fork Watershed Reems Creek Bowl Snowball Mountain

Reems Creek Gorge Woodfin Watershed/Camp Sequoyah Duckett, Myrtle Newberry Creek Gorge Woodfin Watershed 27 Carlyle Property ASHEVILLE WATERSHED Pinnacle Mountain/Mill Creek Watts Bar WMA Fines Creek Rare Plant Site SANDY MUSH BALD OX CREEK High Swan/Bull Mountain Montreat Watershed Beetree Watershed Elk Mountain/Roaring Gap Montreat Wilderness Raven Cliff ELK MOUNTAIN Walton Farm Walton Farm Crabtree Bald Grove Stone Natural Area Cataloochee Creek Aquatic Habitat SANDY MUSH COMMUNITY SANDY MUSH PINNACLE KNOB Great Smoky Mountains NP Hultquist Property Kyker Bottoms Refuge

Sweetwater Winterberry Farm Fort Loudoun SHP Canton Watershed/The Glades Richmond Hill Forest FORT LOUDON LAUREL SNOW MCGEE CARSON PENINSULA Yuchi Refuge Mcghee Carson Unit Arghiere Asheville CATAWBA HEADWATERS Foothills WMA Rough Creek Watershed Edmondson Mountain Tellico Lake Christmount Natural Area CATAWBA HEADWATERS Newfound Mountain/Rockyface Mountain Hemphill ICATAWBA HEADWATERS 441 Catawba Headwaters/Fortune Field FALCONHURST-WEST ASHEVILLE PRESERVE

Blue Ridge Assembly Natural Area Chickamauga WMA SWANNANOA MOUNTAINS CATALOOCHEE RANCH 25 Mountain/Swannanoa Cove Madisonville Wildflower Garden Cedar Cliff/Little Cedar Mountain Moody Meadows Raven Fork Aquatic Habitat Dayton Utah Mountain - Thistlecroft Natural Area Flat Top Mountain Cross Mountain LAUREL MOUNTAIN PRESERVE

GRAYSVILLE 129 74 276 Biltmore Forest Broad River Rare Plant Site GRAYSVILLE Oconaluftee River Aquatic Habitat 74 Eastern Cherokee Indian Reservation Hiwassee Refuge-Riversmeet THERESA BROWN Soco Falls Fed Cove Ridge Pigeon River Aquatic Habitat 25 Bent Creek Heartleaf Natural AreaSandy Bottom Weed Patch Mountain/Joel Ridge LANDS CREEK Plott Balsam II 23 B6 Drover's Rd Preserve Athens Plott Balsam IPlott Balsam II FLORENCE PRESERVE Broad River Natural Area Mount Lyn Lowry/Campbell Creek Little Pisgah Slopes Rattlesnake Knob AUDUBON 19 Cane Creek Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness Spring Mountain/Pisgah View Burntshirt Mountain Youngs Mountain/Kens Rock HICKORY NUT GAP INN Hiwassee Refuge Face Rock/Bearwallow MountainLittle Bearwallow Mountain Woodfin Falls Shut-In Gap Yellow Face/Blackrock Mountain Hoopers Creek/Bearwallow Mountain Rumbling Bald/Shumont Mountain/Cedar Knob Raven Rock West Fork Pigeon River Aquatic Habitat Pisgah Highway Oak-Hickory Forest Pinnacle Bald Bald Mountain/Round Top Mountain Cheoah River Aquatic Habitat High Top/Bee Cove Slopes Balsam Gap Natural Area Pinnacle Ridge YELLOW CREEK FISHER CREEK TRAMMELL RED BANK COVE PRESERVE Bead and Lace Falls YELLOW CREEK Bens Ridge and Coves Stony Bald Redbank Cove Bat Cave/Bluerock Mountain YELLOW CREEK Perry Top Bank Mountain Cheoah River Floodplain WETHERO MOUNTAIN #2 (HYDER) 441 Panther Branch Cove Fanning Bridge Swamp BLUE RIDGE METALS TOWN OF FLETCHER WETHERO MOUNTAIN #1 (HYDER) Steestachee and Wesner Balds-Boulderfields Big Ridge Mine Bald Top MountainWETHERO MOUNTAIN #4 (HYDER) Chimney Rock Natural Area Citico Creek Wilderness Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness Dark Ridge Olivine Outcrop Dix Creek/Cold Mountain Mount Pisgah Foster Creek Bog Stony Mountain/Rich Mountain PARMLEY Seniard Creek Swamp Forest-Bog Complex Cane Creek Mountain Eastern Cherokee Indian Reservation WETHERO MOUNTAIN #3 (HYDER) RICHARDS HUMPHREY DOTSON WAYNESVILLE WATERSHED Lake Logan/Sunburst Slopes Lost Colony Coves/Raven Cliffs RICHARDS Flat Laurel Gap Bog DOTSON Alarka Creek Aquatic Habitat Dark Ridge/Laurel Patch Cove Mullinax Cove CARLAND WORLD'S EDGE Joyce Kilmer Wilderness Area 74 Willits Hornblende Slope Natural Area Woltz Beta Wetland Fork Mountain/Daniel Boone Scout Camp Kelly Cloven Cliffs/The Pinnacles Worlds Edge/Sugarloaf Mountain Licklog Falls Mud Creek Oxbow Shiny Creek Watershed Henson Pilot Rock/Pilot Cove MCCRAW Frying Pan Gap BRITTAIN SUPER SOD MILLS Old Bald/Cherry Cove Bryson Bog Bradley Creek Swamp Forest-Bog Complex Queen Creek Forests SUPER SOD MILLS GRASSY KNOB LANDS

Tuckasegee River Aquatic Habitat Cold Spring Gap Snaggy Bald Stecoah Gap Cove Forests Shining Rock Wilderness Area LEWIS CREEK NATURE PARK GRASSY KNOB LANDS 74 The Pink Beds Funneltop Mountain Santeetlah Bluffs Santeetlah Creek Aquatic Habitat South Mills River Scarlet Oak Area Mud Creek/Hickory Hill Floodplain Laurel Branch Mountain Heartleaf Habitat Rotten Creek Headwater Slopes Tuckasegee River Islands Cooper Gap/Wildcat Spur Etowah /Beartrail Ridge Alarka Laurel Mills River/South Fork Mills River Aquatic Habitat KING NANTAHALA Webster Serpentine-Olivine Outcrop Soapstone Ridge Stratton Meadows/ Cullowhee Black Mountain/Parker Knob Nantahala River/Appalachian Trail Slopes Ivestor Gap Cranberry Seep Middle Prong Wilderness South Fork Mills River Riparian Area Little Tennessee River Floodplain Bald River Gorge Wilderness Nantahala Gorge/Blowing Spring Candies Creek WMA Sam Knob Case Camp Ridge/Seniard Mountain HORSESHOE BEND FARM Cliffield Mountain/Upper Hungry River Clawhammer Mountain/Black Mountain HORSESHOE BEND BUFFER Sugar Creek Ridge Boulderfield Graveyard Fields Mud Creek Bridge and Eubank Swamp Remnant Buckeye Creek Cove Flat Laurel Creek Headwaters Coward Knob and Judaculla Cliffs Rough Butt Bald/Gage Bald Franklin Bog Jackson Park Wetlands BC Chestnut Bald/Silvermine Bald Etowah Swamp South Cherokee NF & WMA Little Tennessee River (Lower) Aquatic Habitat Bat Fork Bog Snowbird Creek Aquatic Habitat Brown Mountain/Hench Knob Fork Ridge/Mount Hardy 276 Walnut Flats East Laport River Islands Costa Bog LOST BRIDGE Mount Hardy High Elevation Seepage Forest Devils Courthouse LOST BRIDGE McClure's Bog FAZIO Laurel Branch Rich Woods Queen Branch Cullowhee Mafic Slope Rich Mountain/Sugar CreekCharley Bald/Buck Knob Gash Creek Headwaters and Slopes Cherokee NF Queen Branch BETTYS CREEK/JACKSON COUNTY Tanasee Bald/Tanasee Ridge Laurel Branch Ravines and Slopes TELLICO CREEK Queen Branch Pisgah Ridge/Pilot Mountain RECTOR/BYRD Chimneytop Oak Forests Tulula Bog Shelton Mountain Lower Hungry River Gorge MATTHEWS TELLICO CREEK FRIEDA BROWN PERRY Pisgah Fish Hatchery Bog English Chapel Wetland CARTER BRANCH HIGHLAND LAKE RABY BEND PARCEL CARTER BRANCH HIWASSEE OCOEE GREEN RIVER GAME LANDSLittle Cove Creek COWEE MOUND/HALL FARM Mud Creek Bunched Arrowhead Site Spring Creek Camp Branch Falls/Nantahala Gorge WRIGHT Green River Gorge White Oak Mountain/Tryon Peak WELCH FARM John Rock/Cedar East Flat Rock Bog Remnant Rocky Bald PLEASANT HILL (KOPF) Cove Creek/Bradley Falls Natural Area CARL SANDBURG HOME PROPERTY AHFP - TILLEY CREEK PARSONS TRYON PEAK HARRISON BAY Kanuga Conference Center Rare Plant SiteGlassy Mountain/Sandburg ParkMERRILL IVEY-TILLEY CREEK CAMP CREEK HARRISON BAY JOYNER Cedar Cliff Mountain Gipp Creek Watershed Moss Knob HOWELL BURDETT TAYLOR Wolf Creek/Cherry Gap/Brown Mountain Bald Rock/Bruce Ridge HARRISON BAY Kirby Knob Hornblende Slope Bracken Mountain/Wolfpen CoveDEERLAKE 411 High Top Mountain The Dismal/River Cliffs Horseshoe Rock C3 DEERLAKE HESS Nantahala NF COMBS Grassy Branch Falls and Bog HARRISON BAY Wildes Cove GIBSON BOTTOMS GREEN RIVER GAME LANDS Cleveland Tow Whiteoak Creek Aquatic Habitat Bryson Branch Falls and Cove Eagle's Nest/Hart Branch WALCOTT ee MORRITHEL MEADOWS BUCKNER HAYTHORNE SHUFORD HOMESITE C Brevard MORRITHEL MEADOWS re Lizzie Mountain Tarkiln Mountain/Three Forks Mountain SHUFORD ek Bonas Defeat/Tuckasegee Gorge Cold Creek Falls (Transylvania) Aquatic Habitat Pinnacle Mountain PINNACLE FALLS SEAMAN Bird Rock Falls Cedar Cliff/Warrior Mountains OWENS PINNACLE FALLS WILDER FOREST HARRISON BAY nch STILL HUNTER TRACT Cathey's Creek Aquatic Habitat Merrill Creek Ridge ra /Rocky Ridge WASHBURN B Robinson Creek Gorge NIENOW WASHBURN, JOHNFROST ker C Rough Tucker Creek Bog MALLARD WHITE HARRISON BAY Co SHANOR TRACT Paradise Falls Cox Branch Cove PEARSON re Moore Knob High Falls of the Tuckasegee River (Onion Cliff) SKIPPER RIDGE Pearsons Falls Glen/Pacolet River Bluffs COOPER HARRISON BAY ek Franklin NANCY WARD GRAVESITE Little Tennessee River (Upper) Aquatic Habitat Shoal Mountain Wood Fern Cove Clarke Family Jim Creek Springhead BARNETT Big Fall Creek/Melrose Mountain North HARRISON BAY Lower Hiwassee River Aquatic Habitat Catheys Creek Wetland BARNETT Dry Branch Bog HOOKER D2 HARRISON BAY C. ALAN & ELIZABETH RUNYAN TRACT SYLVAN HABITAT WAUCHOPE QUINN Tarkiln Mountain/Grassy Creek Gorge HOOKER Hogsed Creek Natural Area Melrose Mountain LITTLE ELLIJAY Clarke & Berdan Sheep Mountain Slopes and Seeps SYLVAN HABITAT Grassy Mountain Fisher Tract Valley River Aquatic Habitat and Wine Spring Bald LITTLE ELLIJAY GREEN RIVER PRESERVE CONNELLY 64 SYLVAN HABITAT FALLING CREEK CAMP Dunns Rock Joanna MountainIn-Between Glades Tryon Watershed Gilbert Tract Laurel Creek HeadwatersLake Derra Marsh Big /Dismal Falls Campbell and Lockhart Tracts (Blue Wall Preserve) Long Rock APPLE ORCHARD PARKHURST Buckhorn Creek Slopes and Bogs ELK'S CAMP Hanging Dog Creek Aquatic Habitat Jarrett Creek Bog Rich Mountain/High Rocks Penell Tract (Blue Wall Preserve) Little River/Cedar Mountain Natural Areas GREEN RIVER PRESERVE Landrum Watershed Panthertown Valley West Fork French Broad River Aquatic Habitat Spice Cove GWEN VALLEY INC Flat Creek Bog Reasonover Creek Cove BALL Hiwassee Lake Rare Plant Site Richland Ridge Bog Jim Raines Mountain/Connestee Falls Green River Headwaters DETHERO The Point at Glenville Lake Headwaters The Point at Glenville Lake Charlotte Anne Finnell Neal WMA Clear Creek Bog/Stephens Branch Bog Cullasaja River/Ellijay Creek Aquatic Habitat LAUREL KNOB BALL Greenville Watershed DIAMOND CREEK Landrum TRILLIUM GOLF Dillard Canyon and Cliffs Diamond Creek Natural Area Reasonover Swamp Forest-Bog Complex HAGLER Fires Creek Watershed Duncan MountainReasonover Creek Headwaters Upper Nantahala River (Headwaters) Aquatic Habitat BIG SHEEPCLIFF Quebec Mountain Slope Little River Wetland Complex Nantahala River Woodland Pond Yellow Mountain DARBY Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve Walking Fern Cove Big Sheep Cliff Ridge Bald Rock Mountain/Little Bald Rock Mountain Dehon Mountain/Sherwood Forest Cedar Mountain Bog Cliffs At Glassy Preserve Bog E-LOTS Toxaway Mountain Hiwassee Church Bluffs Fires Creek Aquatic Habitat GREGORY TRACT NORTH DUNCAN #2 Cartoogechaye Creek Aquatic Habitat Nickajack Creek Natural Area GREGORY TRACT SOUTH DUNCAN 11 Crow Creek Falls Hurricane Lake Bog South Fork Flat Creek Swamp Forest-Bog Complex Little Frog Mountain Wilderness HUBBARD TRACT IN STILLMONT Chattanooga Cole Mountain/Shortoff Mountain CHIMNEYTOP AND ROCK MOUNTAIN Will Scott Mountain Grassy Camp Creek Bogs CHIMNEYTOP AND ROCK MOUNTAIN Nix Mountain Rainbow Springs Marsh High Hampton/Chattooga Ridge Natural Area Buck Creek Bog Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area ( & Jones Gap) Runaway Knob East Fork French Broad River Slopes Upper Hiwassee River Aquatic Habitat Keener Mountain CHIMNEYTOP AND ROCK MOUNTAIN Watson-Cooper Heritage Preserve JACKSON LTLT Tusquitee Creek/Big Tuni Creek Aquatic Habitat Cedar Cliff/The Pinnacle RHODES BIG VIEW Timber Ridge Buck Creek Serpentinized Olivine Barrens Rainy Knobs COWEETA BOTTOMS Skitty Branch CovePINKY FALLS TRACT Pack Mountain Glade Gap Slopes COWEETA BOTTOMS Jones Knob/Whiterock Mountain 19 Cullasaja Gorge OLIVE TRACTHENRY WRIGHT TRACTWhiteside Mountain/Devils Courthouse Toxaway River Gorge Ashmore Heritage Preserve Thompson River Headwater Bog Chunky Gal/Riley Knob Nantahala River Bogs Henry Wright/Kelsey Hemlock Forests Little Terrapin Mountain Cliffs Round Mountain/Round Mountain Gap Bald Rock Heritage Preserve TESSENTEE FARM Silver Run Preserve/ Wildcat Wayside (Caesars Head) A6 East Ravenels Woods Remnants Die Bend/Crowder Bluff REID TRACT Chandler Heritage Preserve DUCKTOWN BASIN MUSEUM KELSEY PRESERVE/LINDSEY TRACT RHODODENDRON PARK/QUIN PIERSON Horsepasture River Gorge WHITMIRE REALTY Albert Mountain/Pinnacle Mountain Thompson River Gorge Piney Knob Fork RALPH AND LOUISE SARGENT PRESERVEDIXON PARK Big Frog Wilderness Yellow Mountain/Wateroak Gap Blackrock Mountain/Granite City Terrapin Mountain Savannah River Headwaters Aquatic Habitat HEYWOOD NORTH HILLS AT STAUROLITE RAVENEL PARK/SUNSET ROCK Laurel Fork Heritage Preserve Fourth Fractional Township 64 MCCALL EASEMENT THE HEDGES Scaly Mountain VALLEY OF THE GIANTS White Oak Stamp CDNorth RED CLAY RIDGEFIELD FARM McDowell Mountain SATULAH MOUNTAIN/ORIGINAL TRACT Whitewater River Falls and Gorge Hothouse Branch/Shooting Creek Aquatic Habitat WYATT CONSERVATION EASEMENT Little Scaly MountainGlen Falls Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve Table Rock State Park Brasstown Creek Aquatic Habitat Brooks Creek Waterfall The Fodderstacks Dulany Bog Slick Rock Clemson Experimental Forest-Causey Jake Branch Bog SWEETWATER FARM CONSERVATION EASEMENT Southern Nantahala Wilderness Middle Creek Falls Pickelsheimer Rockhouse SPRING RIDGE CREAMERY Ellicott Mountain Pogonia Site Jocassee Gorges 105-001 Little Ridgepole Mountain Gorge/Ellicott Rock Oolenoy State Park Hawkins Rockhouse Eller Seep Big Creek Falls Ledford Seep

Southern Nantahala Wilderness Ellicott Rock WildernessEllicott Rock Wilderness Reed Branch Wet Meadow Preserve SNF Andrew Pickens Ranger District Wilderness Area Belvue Springs Heritage Preserve Walhalla Fish Hatchery 178 Sand Mountain Bunched Arrowhead Heritage Preserve Blackwell Bunched Arrowhead Heritage Preserve

Brasstown Valley Resort Clear Creek Heritage Preserve SNF Andrew Pickens Ranger District Roadless Area Spartanburg

Henry Grady Burrell Preserve Paris Mountain State Park A6 West Warwoman WMA Piedmont Seed Orchard Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area

International Transport Center (Greer) 60 Black Rock Mountain SP

Brasstown Wilderness 76 B5 Glassy Mountain Heritage Preserve greenspace program acquisition NA Sumter NF Development Site (BMW Plant, Greer) Prater Island 155-001 Greenville Swallow Creek WMA

Holly Creek Easement Camp Moccasin Dalton Mountain Research & Education Center Holly Creek Preserve Lake Burton FH SNF Wild and Scenic Corridor along the Chattooga River 2 Oconee Station State Historic Site

Cohutta WMA

Tray Mountain Wilderness 123 Greenville Tech, Main Campus 41 Fort Mountain SP Chief Vann House HS Chatsworth

Coopers Creek WMA Vogel SP Walhalla Mauldin--Simpsonville Rich Mountain WMA Buzzard Roost Heritage Preserve 41 Rhodes 76 Chestatee WMA Clemson University Forest Wilderness Chattahoochee NF Tallulah Gorge SP Ellijay Unicoi SP Clemson Experimental Forest-Liberty 1 76 East Ellijay Blue Ridge WMA Roberta Crittenden Easement SNF Andrew Pickens Ranger District Botanical and Zoological Area

Hardman Farm HS Greenville Tech, Brashier Campus Chattahoochee WMA Brasstown Creek Heritage Preserve Smithgall Woods-Dukes Creek CA Clemson 441 Coosawattee WMA Clemson University Campus C2 123 Ed Jenkins National Recreation Area 23 Perry Correctional Institute Carters Lake Resaca Battlefield HS 19 Camp Wahsega 4-H Center Williamston 75 Simpson Research And Education Center 441 5 Travelers Rest HS 123 25 Calhoun 78 Amicalola Falls SP HS 60 AB 5 Buck Shoals SP WMA Board of Regents Tate Mountain Estates Toccoa Hammond Pickens County Dahlonega 129 B4 Anderson 178

Dawson Forest WMA Lake Russell WMA Cornelia Savannah River Lakes High Gap A5 Jasper Mossy Creek SP 76 McDaniel North Lake Hartwell State Recreation Area Tugaloo SP McDaniel SouthWildcat Laurel Ridge 76 411 19 Hartwell Lake 76 76

Main GateBlackwell Lula Tract WMA Wilson Shoals WMA

South Carolina State Parks & Recreation Areas North Carolina Tennessee Georgia Georgia Land Trust Federal Wilderness FWS Army Corps of Engineers State School Lands Black Bear Sanctuary Zoo Board of Regents Mountain Conservation Trust of Georgia Department of Energy DOE Wilderness NPS Botanical Reserve State Wildlife Reserves Game Land Wildlife Area Broad River Watershed Association North American Land Trust Indian Reservations BIA State Park Forest Service (USFS) TNC Easement Safety Zone Park or Forest Camp Moccasin Sautee-Nacoochee Community Assn. Land Trust National Recreation Area FS Local Park Figure 9 Local Land Trust Preserve/Easement TNC Preserve NC significant natural heritage sites E23 Corps of Engineers The Nature Conservancy of Georgia National Recreation Area NPS National Parks (State) Private Conservation Easement/Conservation Deed Restriction Wilderness Area NC land trust conservation properties Scenic Waters Department of Defense U.S. Forest Service Wilderness National Forests (State) State Lands Wildlife Reserve Wild Scenic Rivers Refuge Department of Natural Resources County Wildlife Management Area Appalachian Trail Protected Lands Legend State Natural Heritage Preserve Wildlife/Recreation Management Area WMA Department of Transportation Local Wilderness FS Wild and Scenic River Rifle Range Protected Mountain 0 1 2 3 4 5 10 15 Miles North TN Lands TDEC At the scale shown, each corridor is one mile wide. Smaller features – individual buildings, wetlands, cemeteries, etc. – are not visible at this scale and can generally be avoided by shifting an alignment within the wider corridor. Therefore, a large number of these types of features are not presented for this level of detail.

b. Terrain and Geology

Aggressive terrain, particularly in the northern portion of the General Study Area, is another major constraint to development. Figure 10 shows the corridors between the Lavonia and Knoxville Control Points on a topographic map. Table 1 below summarizes elevations along the centerline of each of the northern corridors passing through the rugged terrain of the southern .

Table 1 – Summary of Terrain and Elevations, Northern Corridors

Max Min Percent Length at Given Elevation (feet above sea level) Segment Elevation Elevation 2,000‐2,999 3,000‐3,999 4,000‐4,999 5,000+ A6 East 3,340 850 21% 1% 0% 0% A6 West 2,510 680 4% 0% 0% 0% B5 2,400 1,380 60% 0% 0% 0% BC 3,420 1,850 79% 7% 0% 0% B6 5,020 810 30% 7% 3% 0.05% CD North 2,750 1,440 25% 0% 0% 0% C3 6,170 930 25% 10% 21% 19% C4 5,060 870 15% 15% 7% 0.2% D3 2,900 920 40% 0% 0% 0%

According to data from the US Geological Survey, karst fissures exist in both the southeastern and northwestern portions of the General Study Area. As shown in Figure 11, areas of southern Georgia and South Carolina are identified as having fissures, tubes, and caves generally less than 1,000 feet long. Figure 12 shows karst areas in eastern Tennessee and western Georgia, which are identified as having fissures, tubes, and caves generally greater than 1,000 feet in length.

Figure 13 shows landslide incidence and susceptibility based on US Geological Survey information. The majority of the study area north of Atlanta and Columbia is moderately to highly susceptible to landslides.

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Morristown Wartburg Greeneville 81 Erwin 62 441 11 75 25 70 640 Fairfield Glade 27 Oak Ridge 25 61 Knoxville 275 19

Crossville 162 158 40 Harriman--Kingston--Rockwood Newport 75 66 25 23 127 411 32 D3 70 321

Sevierville 40 411 129

129 321 Loudon 321 C4 Tellico Village

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Sweetwater Asheville 441 240 Madisonville 25 Dayton

129 19 74 Athens 276 B6 25 19 75

441

74 74 26 19 Cullowhee Etowah 74 BC 276

411 C3 Brevard Cleveland Franklin 176 64

Landrum Chattanooga 64 A6 East 23 19 64 CD North

178

76 Spartanburg A6 West 60 B5 19 Greenville

2 52 41 123 29 Dalton Chatsworth Walhalla

76 Ellijay 76 23 Mauldin--Simpsonville185 75 441 76 C2 385 76 Clemson 19 75 75 441 Williamston 5 123 78 Calhoun 60 AB 5 129 Toccoa Dahlonega B4 85 Anderson A5 Cornelia Jasper 76 29 76 411 19 76

Figure 10

0 1 2 3 4 5 10 15 Legend Miles Terrain Challenges North Figure 11 Karst Features in Southern Study Area

Source: NationalAtlas.gov

General Study Area Figure 12 Karst Features in Northern Study Area For legend, see Figure 13

Source: NationalAtlas.gov Figure 13 Landslide Incidence and Susceptibility

Source: NationalAtlas.gov General Study Area Acid‐bearing rock is another geological issue which may be found within the northern portion of the General Study Area. Pyrite is a crystalline mineral found in some areas of the Appalachian Mountains. Exposing the mineral to moisture and oxygen can lead to the formation of Acid Rock Drainage (ARD). ARD occurs naturally as part of the rock weathering process and represents a threat to the sustainability of rivers, streams and other freshwater systems; however, it can be exacerbated by highway construction activities. The potential for soil erosion and subsequent ARD due to disturbance is greatest in areas with rugged topography that require extensive cut/fill sections during construction. There are numerous options for addressing ARD ‐ the most common practices include containment and neutralization at the point of disturbance and offsite containment and neutralization. The impacts of acid‐bearing rock have been seen on a variety of projects, including the North Shore Road highway project within the GRSM. Construction of the highway was suspended in the 1970s, in part due to the environmental damage caused by the acidic rock encountered.

c. Population Demographics

Much of the study area population is low income. Figure 14 shows the percentage of families living below the federal poverty limit at the county level. The majority of rural counties are identified as economically distressed according to the US Bureau for Economic Analysis and the US Bureau for Labor Statistics. Economically distressed counties have a per capita income less than 80% of the national level and an unemployment rate at least 1% greater than the national level. Figure 15 identifies counties in the study area which qualify based on these designations.

In the southern portion of the study area, a number of counties demonstrate above average minority population concentrations. Figure 16 presents a map of minority concentrations at the county level, based on 2000 US Census information.

Environmental justice regulations and Executive Orders protect minority and low‐income populations from experiencing disproportionate adverse impacts on federal projects. This information will have to be considered during future project development stages if any corridors are selected for implementation.

7. Corridor Screening

Initially four corridors were developed between Savannah and Lavonia and five corridors were developed between Lavonia and Knoxville, with an EWG recommendation that no more than one corridor pass through the GRSM National Park. These corridors will be screened against “fatal flaws” to identify significant obstacles to implementation which effectively make a corridor infeasible or unreasonable for further study. The density of natural resources, the vast area protected by state or federal designations, and aggressive terrain features throughout the northern portion of the study area create numerous challenges to highway development. A number of regional residents and organizations have been outspoken about their desire to protect natural and cultural resources by limiting development.

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Figure 14 Families Below Poverty Level during 2000 Census

Source: hepgis.FHWA.dot.gov General Study Area Figure 15 Economically Distressed Counties

Source: hepgis.FHWA.dot.gov General Study Area Figure 16 Minority Population Concentrations During 2000 Census

General Study Area Source: hepgis.FHWA.dot.gov A variety of perspectives suggest a western corridor provides the least objectionable option for the northern portion of the General Study Area (between Lavonia and Knoxville).

a. Environmental Constraints

Impacts within a national park represent a fatal flaw. The GRSM is home to numerous federally threatened/endangered species and unique habitats; it has been designated as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site because of its unique natural resources. The Blue Ridge Parkway is also a National Park, which stretches over 450 miles through two states and is touted as “America’s Favorite Drive.”

From a high level environmental constraints perspective, Corridor A (including A6 West) impacts the fewest protected lands. This corridor avoids the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, unlike Corridors B or C. Because of the park’s wilderness areas, rich biodiversity, and protected status, transportation improvements within the park are strictly limited. According to 36 CFR I §5.6, commercial traffic is prohibited within the park. A 2010 Environmental Assessment1 documents a proposal to add turn lanes to a popular picnic area along Newfound Gap Road was rejected because of the extent of impacts on character‐defining features along the roadway. Work on the proposed North Shore Road was suspended decades ago due to environmental impacts; the 2007 Environmental Impact Statement supported a monetary settlement rather than completing the planned construction project because it would result in fewer impacts.2

Corridor C would impact the Blue Ridge Parkway National Park; it follows the length of the existing alignment for 45 miles between SR 215 and US 441. No other alternatives would impact this park.

Corridor A also has the fewest impacts within the National Forests: 1.5 miles through the forest, near the southwestern boundary compared to 40+ miles through the forests for other corridors. Other corridors result in fewer impacts to state parks, state wilderness/wildlife zones, areas within Georgia designated as Protected Mountains, or waterways. However, Corridor A provides the fewest National Forest impacts.

b. Constructability and Engineering

From a constructability perspective, mountainous terrain in the northwestern portions of the General Study Area provides another reason to favor a western corridor between Lavonia and Knoxville. Extremely aggressive terrain challenges are a second fatal flaw considered because of the associated cost and constructability concerns. Segments A5‐A6 West‐A7 ehave th fewest terrain challenges in the northern section, followed by A5‐A6 East‐A7 with the next fewest. Corridors B, C, and D pass through more aggressive terrain in the southern Appalachian Mountains and run perpendicular to the ridge lines.

1 Environmental Assessment, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Project PRA‐GRSM 1B19. US Department of the Interior, National Park Service. July 2005. Available online at http://www.efl.fhwa.dot.gov/files/projects/ environment nfg_ea.pdf 2 Per NPS briefing statement online at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/parkmgmt/upload/North‐Shore‐Rd‐3‐15‐10.pdf

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Corridor A also passes through fewer areas highly susceptible to landslides when compared to Corridors B, C, and D.

c. Economics

From an economic perspective, corridors which avoid mountainous terrain (Corridor A) are preferable. Mountainous terrain has a significant impact on cost, both for initial construction and continuing maintenance activities. Based on decades of experience and data from completed projects, the Tennessee Department of Transportation estimates that projects constructed in heavily mountainous terrain cost 2 to 5 times more than roadways constructed in mountainous or rolling terrain, respectively. Corridors B, C, and D are likely to be even more costly because the alignments bisect the mountain ranges rather than following the ridge lines. In today’s era of financial constraint, economic feasibility is a major concern which deserves consideration when developing transportation projects.

d. Regional Transportation

The statutory language establishing the vision for the corridor specifies that the corridor connect Savannah, Augusta, and Knoxville. Any corridor which does not provide increased mobility and connectivity to all three of these urban centers is considered fatally flawed. Corridor D does not efficiently serve Fort Gordon or improve connectivity to the Augusta area.

Routes which bypass congested urban areas provide travel time savings by avoiding peak period delays. Reliability is a potential issue for routes through areas prone to landslides; I‐40 in particular has been closed for several months in recent years to clean up slides.

From a regional transportation perspective, Corridor D provides minimal differences compared to the existing I‐95 to I‐26 corridor. Corridor D is 35 miles shorter than the existing I‐95 to I‐26 corridor between Savannah and Knoxville, an 8% savings compared to the existing route. However, it still travels through congested sections in Columbia and Asheville.

Corridor A provides a slightly shorter travel distance between Savannah and Knoxville (435 miles) than the existing I‐16 to I‐75 corridor (460 miles) and also bypasses major congestion and bottlenecks in the Atlanta area.

North of Augusta, Corridor B passes through largely undeveloped, rural areas. From a regional transportation viewpoint, it would not provide improved connectivity to any urban centers between Augusta and Knoxville.

Corridors A, B, and C each would provide opportunities to link to the proposed Corridor K and proposed 14th Amendment Highway, for an improved east‐west mobility option.

e. Public Opposition

Based on experiences from previous projects located in eastern Tennessee and region, residents of the region are very attuned to environmental issues. Unofficial polls of North

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Georgia residents during 2006‐2007 indicate approximately 90% of respondents opposed development of a 3rd Infantry Division Highway corridor. During the development of the 2010 Transportation Planning Report for Corridor K, nearly 3,000 comments were received from members of the public, special interest/opposition organizations, and other agencies. The public expressed a similar level of concern on other recent regional projects as well: the Cades Cove Transportation Plan, the Study, and a design project along US 321 adjacent to GRSM. Dozens of public comments and letters have been received on the 3rd Infantry Division Highway Corridor Study to date, primarily through the project’s website. The vast majority of comments have expressed opposition to the project.

Residents tend to be adamant about maintaining the environmental integrity of the GRSM and National Forests in the region. Residents will expect careful consideration of the location and character of new or improved roadway needs and will expect projects to make every effort to avoid intrusion into sensitive areas when other alternatives are available. Otherwise, strong opposition can be expected, which could represent an obstacle to any of the corridors developed.

8. EWG Input and Next Steps

As summarized in Table 3, a variety of perspectives suggest a western corridor provides the least objectionable option for the northern portion of the General Study Area (between Lavonia and Knoxville). Based on environmental constraints, constructability and engineering concerns, economic considerations, regional transportation connections, and the likelihood to face public opposition, Corridor A from I‐85 at Commerce, along the western boundary of the National Forests, to I‐75 at Cleveland will move forward for additional study to develop cost estimates identified in Task 9 of the scope of work. Other northern corridors would lead to greater impacts within the National Forests, would fall within the established boundaries of GRSM National Park, would face other terrain/geotechnical obstacles, and/or do not provide access to the four areas identified as control points.

Table 3 – Summary of Fatal Flaw Screening

Corridor GRSM Impacts Terrain Control Points A No Moderate Crosses 4 B Possible Aggressive Crosses 4 Extremely C Yes Crosses 4 Aggressive D No Aggressive Crosses 2

For the southern portion of the General Study Area (between Savannah and Lavonia), Corridors A, B, or B1 Bypass along the Savannah River Parkway will also move forward for additional study to develop cost estimates. Either corridor provides a comparable level of mobility and impacts which could provide a reasonable, feasible connection to a western corridor beyond Lavonia.

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The corridors, impacts, and design levels presented in this memo were presented to the EWG during the March 8, 2011 meeting. Comments focused on the content of this memo, the methodology for preparing cost estimates in the next task, and the extent of public involvement needed for this phase of the project. Specific to the alternatives, it was suggested that a No Build Alternative should be investigated, which would place signs along an existing interstate route to designate a Third Infantry Division Interstate. The team reiterated that different design levels can be applied to any single corridor alignment, creating a number of different alternatives. Design levels can vary by segment within each corridor as well; for example, a corridor could be designed as an interstate from locations X to Y and as an arterial from locations Y to Z.

Based on feedback from the EWG in March 2011, the northern portion of Corridor A West (north of Augusta) and the southern portion of Corridors A, B, and B Bypass will move forward for additional study. As described in the final negotiated scope of work, cost estimates will be prepared for these corridors for each of the design levels identified in section 5. Alternative scenarios advancing for cost estimates are summarized in Table 4. The team will also prepare an outline for the number of steps anticipated to construct each segment (development of planning products, necessary permits, scale of right‐of‐way acquisitions, etc).

Table 4 – Alternative Scenarios advancing for Cost Estimates

Corridor Design Level A West (entire length) Interstate Design Level A West (entire length) Arterial Design Level, plus reusing existing Interstate segments A West (entire length) Super‐2 Design Level, plus reusing existing Interstate and Arterial segments Practical Solutions/Context Sensitive Design Option – involves reusing existing A West (entire length) roadway alignments available today, with minor spot improvements B/B Bypass Interstate or Arterial Design Level (Savannah to Augusta) No Build Installing signage along existing route

Following a fourth and final EWG meeting, a comprehensive Corridor Feasibility Report will be prepared for FHWA that consolidates the information gathered throughout this study. This report will include cost estimates and project development steps and will form the basis for the informational report delivered to Congress to fulfill the statutory language.

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