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4 Analysis Areas The Chatham County Needs Analysis and Prioritization Plan involves the identification and testing of potential improvements to the Interstate system in Chatham County. In order to develop a list of Analysis Areas for evaluation, the results of the Needs Assessment were combined with previous plan recommendations and current committed projects. This study identified and analyzed possible improvements to determine if they were necessary to meet the needs of future year (2030) travel conditions. While many projects may not warrant implementation by 2030, this study explored all possible improvements to determine their benefit.

4.1 Identification of Analysis Areas The Analysis Areas were identified to address needs along the Interstate system in Chatham County. The Analysis Areas include projects identified by GDOT and the CUTS 2030 LRTP plan prior to the beginning of the study as well as through the needs assessment. A list of Analysis Areas are provided in Table 4.1 (see pages 4-2 and 4-3) and shown in Figure 4.1 (see page 4-4). Additional details about each need area are provided in the paragraphs that follow. The projects are shown in the table and below by reference letter. Reference letters do not reflect project priority. These Analysis Areas represent all possible improvements identified as part of this study. Included in each project description is a recommendation regarding its inclusion as a Potential Project Recommendation. Those Analysis Areas recommended as Potential Project Recommendations are presented in Section 2 (see page 2-1) of this report and are listed at the end of this section. Conceptual layouts and a detailed analysis were prepared for each Potential Project Recommendation. Reconstruction of I-16 at SR 307 (Dean Forest Road) Interchange (Analysis Area A)

Project Type: Interchange reconstruction. Extents: I-16 in the vicinity of SR 307 (Dean Forest Road). Purpose of Improvement: Enhancement of traffic operations, safety, and truck accessibility. Need Satisfied by Improvement: Reconstruction of the I-16 interchange at SR 307 (Dean Forest Road) will enhance its capability to accommodate truck traffic traveling to/from the north along SR 307. This interchange experienced more crashes than the countywide average of all interchanges (including crashes within ½ mile on either side of the Interstate). This improvement will address safety issues and provide intersection geometry that allows for efficient truck movement.

Technical Justification: The reconstruction of the of I-16 at SR 307 (Dean Forest Road) interchange is expected to enhance operations at the interchange resulting in reduced delay and crash experience. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Not included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. Recommendation for Further Analysis: Recommended for further analysis and inclusion as a Potential Project Recommendation

Reconstruction of I-95 at I-16 Interchange (Analysis Area B)

Project Type: Interchange reconstruction. Extents: I-95 at I-16 including ramps and ramp junctions. Purpose of Improvement: Enhancement of traffic operations and capacity. Need Satisfied by Improvement: Reconstruction of the I-95 at I-16 interchange will alter the cloverleaf design currently in place to better accommodate future traffic flow. Technical Justification: Weaving between merge and diverge movements on the cloverleaf interchange limits capacity. The tight curvature and acceleration needs associated with the cloverleaf design are not compatible with heavy truck traffic use anticipated at the interchange. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Not included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. Recommendation for Further Analysis: Recommended for further analysis and inclusion as a Potential Project Recommendation

I-95 at US 80 Interchange Modification and Frontage Roads (Analysis Area C) (PI No. 550594)

Project Type: US 80 Interchange modification and frontage road between Pine Barren Road and US 80. Extents: I-95 at US 80 and extending south to Pine Barren Road. Purpose of Improvement: Enhancement of interchange capacity, safety, and access to nearby property.

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Table 4.1: List of Analysis Areas

No. Project Location From To Type

Lanes

Length (mi) Purpose Included in CUTS 2030 LRTP? Existing Proposed

A I-16 at SR 307/Dean Forest Road Vicinity of Interchange Interchange reconstruction - - - Safety and operational improvements and enhancement of

truck access No

B I-16 at I-95 Vicinity of Interchange Interchange reconstruction - - - Operational and capacity improvement associated with conversion to a directional interchange (realignment of Cloverleaf to remove two loops)

No

C I-95 Pine Barren Road/CR 23 US 80

US 80 interchange modification and frontage

roads between Pine Barren Road and US 80

- - 2.5 Safety and operational improvement of US 80 interchange and construction of frontage roads to enhance Interstate access

No

D I-16 at I-516 Vicinity of Interchange Interchange Reconstruction - - - Operational and capacity improvement associated with conversion to a directional interchange (removal of left-side entrances from I-516 to I-16)

Yes

E I-95 US 17 in Bryan Co. I-16 Widening 6 8 7.7 Increased capacity to accommodate projected traffic

volume Yes

F I-95 I-16 SR 21 Widening 6 8 13.1 Increased capacity to accommodate projected traffic volume Yes

G I-516 Veterans Pkwy Mildred St Widening 4 5 2.1 Increased capacity to accommodate projected traffic

volume No

H Northwest Tollway SR-21 (near I-95) I-16 @ I-516 New road 0 4 8.4 Provide additional access for truck to Port and industrial

areas Yes

I SR-21 Northwest Tollway

SR 30 (W. of I-95)

Widening and Interchange reconstruction 4 6 1.4 Improve roadway capacity and I-95 interchange operations

in conjunction with Northwest Tollway Yes - Widening

No - Interchange J I-16 I-95 I-516 Widening 4 6 7.3 Provide capacity along I-16 corridor Yes

K SR 307/Dean Forest Road I-16 .5 mi north of I-

16 Widening 4 5 0.5 Provide turning capability to enhance traffic operations and safety No

L SR25CO/Bay Street I-516 Bay Street Viaduct Widening 4 5 1.0 Provide turning capability to enhance traffic operations and

safety Yes

M Mildred Street/ Hampstead Avenue I-516 Abercorn St Widening 2 4 1.0 Provide additional roadway capacity Yes

N Quacco Rd Pooler Pkwy I-95 Widening 2 4 2.7 Provide additional roadway capacity in conjunction with new interchange at Quacco Road Yes

O Quacco Rd at I-95 Vicinity of Interchange New interchange - - - Provide new interchange for I-95 access Yes

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Table 4.1: List of Analysis Areas (continued)

No. Project Location From To Type

Lanes

Length (mi) Purpose Included in CUTS 2030 LRTP? Existing Proposed

P I-95 at SR 204 Vicinity of interchange Interchange reconstruction - - - Reconstruction of interchange to accommodate future capacity needs No

Q I-516 at SR 25/ US 17 Vicinity of interchange Auxiliary lanes - - 1.0 Improve Interstate operations and safety by addressing

operational needs at access points No

R I-16 I-95 I-516 HOV lanes along Interstate - - 5.9 Provide additional capacity for high occupancy vehicles traveling along the corridor No

S I-516 I-16 Montgomery Street HOV lanes along Interstate - - 3.9 Provide additional capacity for high occupancy vehicles

traveling along the corridor No

T I-95 Bryan Co. South Carolina Truck only lanes 0 2 20.8 Provide for truck traffic along I-95 and access to Port No

U I-95 Frontage Roads (east and west sides)

SR 204 Quacco Road Frontage roads 0 2 6.0 Provide for travel between arterials to reduce use of Interstate for short trips No

V I-95 at US 80 Vicinity of interchange Truck only interchange with access to truck only lanes - - - Construction of truck only interchange and connection to

US 80 if truck only lanes are constructed No

W I-95 between SR 21 and Jimmy DeLoach Parkway

Vicinity of interchange Truck only interchange with access to truck only lanes - - - Construction of truck only interchange and connection to

SR 21 if truck only lanes are constructed No

X I-16 at Chatham Parkway Vicinity of interchange Interchange reconstruction - - - Reconstruction of interchange if not performed as part of

Northwest Tollway No

Y I-16 Old River Rd in Effingham County

I-95 Widening 4 6 7.6 Provide Interstate capacity to accommodate future demand No

Z I-516 I-16 Veterans Parkway

Multiple interchange reconstruction and widening

of I-16 - - 2.3 Improve Interstate operations and safety by addressing

needs with multiple access points No

AA I-516 SR 21 I-16

Multiple interchange reconstruction and

consideration of auxiliary lanes to accommodate multiple ramp

movements

- - 2.3 Improve Interstate operations and safety by addressing needs with multiple access points

Yes – I-516 Widening No – Interchange

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Figure 4.1: Location of Analysis Areas

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Need Satisfied by Improvement: Reconstruction of the I-95 at US 80 interchange will relieve congested conditions in the vicinity of the interchange and will enhance safety at the interchange through improved intersection geometry. Technical Justification: Interchange delay and crash experience are expected to decrease with the additional capacity, resulting in reduced congestion. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Not included in CUTS 2030 LRTP.

Recommendation for Further Analysis: US 80 interchange improvement Recommended for further analysis and inclusion as a Potential Project Recommendation. Frontage Roads eliminated from consideration since not necessary to accommodate projected traffic demand.

Reconstruction of I-16 at I-516 Interchange (Analysis Area D) (PI No. 0006256)

Project Type: Interchange reconstruction. Extents: I-16 at I-516 including ramps and ramp junctions. Purpose of Improvement: Enhancement of traffic operations and capacity. Need Satisfied by Improvement: Reconstruction of the I-16 at I-516 interchange will remove the left-side entrances from I-516 onto I-16) and will better accommodate future traffic flow. Weaving at the left-side I-16 merge areas on limits capacity and violates driver expectancy. The tight curvature and acceleration needs associated with the cloverleaf design are not compatible with heavy truck traffic use anticipated at the interchange. Technical Justification: Interchange delay and crash experience are expected to decrease with the additional capacity and reduced congestion. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. CUTS priority ranking number: I-1C-1 Recommendation for Further Analysis: Recommended for further analysis and inclusion as a Potential Project Recommendation.

Widening of I-95 from US 17 in Bryan County to I-16 (Analysis Area E) (PI No. 511035)

Project Type: Widening of Interstate from 6 to 8 travel lanes.

Extents: US 17 in Bryan County to I-16. Purpose of Improvement: The I-95 widening will provide additional capacity for general purpose traffic traveling along the corridor. Need Satisfied by Improvement: The widening of I-95 will relieve over-capacity conditions anticipated along this section of Interstate (2030 deficiencies exceed the capacity equivalent to that of one-half a travel lane in each direction). The additional lanes will improve safety along the Interstate as congestion related crashes would be reduced. The additional capacity will facilitate reliable truck movement along I-95, along with general purpose traffic. Technical Justification: The widening of I-95 results in improved year 2030 Interstate LOS based on results of the Chatham Interstates Plan Model (2006). Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. CUTS priority ranking number: I-2-5 Recommendation for Further Analysis: Recommended for further analysis and inclusion as a Potential Project Recommendation.

Widening of I-95 from I-16 to SR 21 (Analysis Area F) (PI No. 511165)

Project Type: Widening of Interstate from 6 to 8 travel lanes. Extents: I-16 to SR 21. Purpose of Improvement: The I-95 widening will provide additional capacity for general purpose traffic traveling along the corridor. Need Satisfied by Improvement: The widening of I-95 will relieve over-capacity conditions anticipated along this section of Interstate (2030 deficiencies exceed the capacity equivalent to that of one-half a travel lane in each direction). The additional lanes will improve safety along the Interstate as congestion related crashes would be reduced. The additional capacity will facilitate reliable truck movement along I-95, along with general purpose traffic. Technical Justification: The widening of I-95 results in improved year 2030 Interstate LOS based on results of the Chatham Interstates Plan Model. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. CUTS priority ranking number: I-3-6

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Recommendation for Further Analysis: Recommended for further analysis and inclusion as a Potential Project Recommendation.

Widening of I-516 from Veterans Parkway to Mildred Street (Analysis Area G)

Project Type: Widening of Interstate from 4 to 5 travel lanes. Extents: Veterans Parkway to Mildred Street. Purpose of Improvement: The I-516 widening will provide additional capacity for general purpose traffic traveling along the corridor. Need Satisfied by Improvement: The widening of I-516 will relieve over-capacity conditions anticipated along this section of Interstate in year 2030. The additional lane will improve safety along the Interstate as congestion related crashes would be reduced. The additional capacity will reduce queuing at the terminus of I-516 at Mildred Street. Technical Justification: The widening of I-95 results in improved year 2030 Interstate LOS based on results of the Chatham Interstates Plan Model. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Not included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. Recommendation for Further Analysis: Recommended for further analysis and inclusion as a Potential Project Recommendation.

Northwest Tollway (Analysis Area H)

Project Type: New four-lane roadway with limited access and toll. Extents: I-16 near I-516 to SR 21 near I-95. Purpose of Improvement: The new roadway will provide access to the Port of Savannah and adjacent industrial areas from both the I-16 and I-95 corridors. Truck movement to/from these areas will particularly benefit from the new access. Need Satisfied by Improvement: The Northwest Tollway will provide truck access to the port area to relieve the SR 21 corridor and reduce truck traffic using I-516 for access to this area. The additional truck capacity will reduce the overcapacity conditions along I-95 and I-16.

Technical Justification: The widening of I-95 results in improved year 2030 Interstate LOS along I-16 east of I-95 and along I-95 north of I-16 based on results of the Chatham Interstates Plan Model. I Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. CUTS priority ranking number: 3-32 Recommendation for Further Analysis: Project eliminated from consideration as part of the Chatham Interstate Plan to prevent a duplication of efforts between this project and the ongoing SRTA Northwest Tollway Study.

Reconstruction of I-95 at SR 21 Interchange and Widening of SR 21 (Analysis Area I)

Project Type: Interchange reconstruction and widening of SR 21 from 4 to 6 lanes. Extents: I-95 at SR 21 and widening for 1.4 miles south. Purpose of Improvement: The reconstructed interchange and widened roadway will enhance traffic operations and capacity and will provide for access to/from the growing Port of Savannah area. Need Satisfied by Improvement: Reconstruction of the I-95 at SR 21 interchange will provide needed operational and capacity improvements at this congested interchange. Widening of SR 21 will allow this road and interchange to serve heavy traffic anticipated due to growth of the Port of Savannah with or without the Northwest Tollway. Technical Justification: Interchange delay and crash experience are expected to decrease with the additional capacity and reduced congestion. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Widening of SR 21 included in CUTS 2030 LRTP as, however improvements to the I-95 at SR 21 interchange not included in the LRTP. CUTS priority ranking number: 3-29 Recommendation for Further Analysis: Recommended for further analysis and inclusion as a Potential Project Recommendation.

Widening of I-16 from I-95 to I-516 (Analysis Area J)

Project Type: Widening of Interstate from 4 to 6 travel lanes. Extents: I-95 to I-516.

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Purpose of Improvement: The I-16 widening will provide additional capacity for general purpose traffic traveling along the corridor. Need Satisfied by Improvement: The widening of I-16 will relieve over-capacity conditions anticipated along this section of Interstate expected in 2030. The additional lanes will improve mobility and safety along this segment of Interstate. The additional capacity will facilitate reliable truck movement along I-16, along with general purpose traffic. Technical Justification: The widening of I-16 results in improved year 2030 Interstate LOS based on results of the Chatham Interstates Plan Model. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. CUTS priority ranking number: I-2-4 Recommendation for Further Analysis: Recommended for further analysis and inclusion as a Potential Project Recommendation.

Widening of SR 307 (Dean Forest Road) (Analysis Area K) (Project No. 0002140)

Project Type: Addition of third southbound lane for ½ mile north of I-16 interchange. Extents: From I-16 extending 0.5 to the north. Purpose of Improvement: The SR 307 (Dean Forest Road) widening will provide additional capacity for traffic traveling to the interchange from SR 307, including heavy truck traffic flows. Need Satisfied by Improvement: The widening of I-516 will relieve over-capacity conditions anticipated along SR 307 north of I-16 and will facilitate truck traffic movement approaching this section of Interstate. Technical Justification: Interchange delay is expected to decrease with the additional capacity. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. CUTS priority ranking number: 1C-7 Recommendation for Further Analysis: Project eliminated from consideration and improvements to SR 307 were incorporated into the interchange project at I-16 and SR 307 (Analysis Area A).

Widening of SR 25 (Bay Street) (Analysis Area L)

Project Type: Widening of arterial from 4 to 5 travel lanes. Extents: From I-516 extending east to the Bay Street Viaduct. Purpose of Improvement: The SR 25 (Bay Street) widening will provide turning movement capacity to enhance traffic operations and safety. Need Satisfied by Improvement: The SR 25 (Bay Street) corridor provides a direct connection between downtown Savannah and the SR 21 and I-516 corridors. Capacity along this corridor is limited by the four-lane undivided section. Conflicts between left turn and through traffic constrain the operations along the corridor, especially with truck traffic. Technical Justification: The widening of SR 25 (Bay Street) to provide left turning capability will improve corridor capacity, operations, and safety, by reducing conflicts between left turning and through vehicles. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Included in CUTS 2030. CUTS priority ranking number: 1C-4 Recommendation for Further Analysis: Project eliminated from consideration as part of the Chatham Interstate Plan since it was determined that this surface street improvement would have little benefit to the Interstate system operation.

Widening of Mildred Street / Hampstead Avenue (Analysis Area M)

Project Type: Widening of arterial from 2 to 4 travel lanes. Extents: From I-516 to Abercorn Street. Purpose of Improvement: The Mildred Street / Hampstead Avenue widening will provide additional capacity approaching the I-516 corridor from the south, reducing the capacity constraint at the Montgomery Street intersection to the east. Need Satisfied by Improvement: Congestion along the I-516 corridor near its eastern terminus will be reduced by the additional access point relieving demand to/from the south at the Montgomery Street intersection. Technical Justification: Congestion along I-516 near its eastern terminus (transitioning from an Interstate to a surface arterial) results in significant delay during the peak hours.

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The delay will be reduced by removing the abrupt change in capacity through enhancement of the I-516 at Mildred Street interchange, serving traffic primarily to/from the south. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. CUTS priority ranking number: 2-26 Recommendation for Further Analysis: Project eliminated from consideration as part of the Chatham Interstate Plan since it was determined that this surface street improvement would have little benefit to the Interstate system operation.

Widening of Quacco Road (Analysis Area N)

Project Type: Widening of arterial from 2 to 4 travel lanes. Extents: Pooler Parkway to I-95. Purpose of Improvement: The Quacco Road widening would provide additional capacity for traffic traveling to/from I-95 if a new interchange is constructed at Quacco Road at I-95 (see Analysis Area O). Need Satisfied by Improvement: The widening of Quacco Road would relieve over-capacity conditions anticipated due to implementation of Quacco Road at I-95 interchange. If Quacco Road at I-95 interchange is not implemented, widening of Quacco Road would not be warranted. Technical Justification: Corridor delay is expected to reduce with the additional capacity. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. CUTS priority ranking number: 3-36 Recommendation for Further Analysis: Project eliminated from further consideration since an interchange at Quacco Road and I-95 is not warranted. Travel demand model results indicate the widening of Quacco Road is only needed in conjunction with the proposed I-95 at Quacco Road interchange (volumes of 23,000 vehicles per day). Without implementation of the Quacco Road interchange, the travel demand model indicated that a two-lane road would provide adequate LOS in 2030 (10,000 to 12,000 vehicles per day).

New Interchange along I-95 at Quacco Road (Analysis Area O)

Project Type: New interchange. Extents: I-95 at Quacco Road.

Purpose of Improvement: The Quacco Road interchange will serve traffic flowing to/from I-95, relieving the SR 204 interchange which is expected to operate under congested conditions in year 2030. Need Satisfied by Improvement: The Quacco Road interchange will provide needed Interstate access to the area south of I-16 and will relieve congestion at the adjacent SR 204 interchange. Technical Justification: Reduced travel time and vehicle miles traveled are anticipated due to more direct Interstate access. Reduced congestion at the I-95 at SR 204 interchange is also anticipated. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. CUTS priority ranking number: 3-37 Recommendation for Further Analysis: Project eliminated from consideration as part of the Chatham Interstate Plan since the anticipated growth in this area of the county is not sufficient to drive the need for a new interchange at Quacco Road, as traffic volume projections suggest the I-16 at Pooler Parkway interchange could be improved to provide acceptable levels of service without the need for a new access break along I-95.

Reconstruction of I-95 at SR 204 Interchange (Analysis Area P)

Project Type: Interchange Reconstruction. Extents: I-95 in vicinity of SR 204. Purpose of Improvement: Enhancement of traffic operations and safety. Need Satisfied by Improvement: Reconstruction of the I-95 interchange at SR 204 will enhance its capability to accommodate anticipated traffic volume growth. This interchange experienced more than twice as many crashes as the countywide average of all interchanges (including crashes within ½ mile on either side of the Interstate). This improvement will address safety issues and interchange operations/capacity needs to satisfy year 2030 projected traffic volumes. Technical Justification: The reconstruction of the I-95 at SR 204 interchange is expected to enhance intersection operations at the interchange resulting in reduced delay and crash experience. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Not included in CUTS 2030 LRTP.

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Recommendation for Further Analysis: Recommended for further analysis and inclusion as a Potential Project Recommendation.

Auxiliary Lanes along I-516 at SR 25/US 17 Interchange (Analysis Area Q)

Project Type: Auxiliary lanes between SR 25/US 17 interchange and I-16 to improve merge/diverge operations. Extents: I-516 north of SR 25/US 17. Purpose of Improvement: Enhancement of Interstate operations at merge and diverge areas north of SR 25 / US 17 interchange. Need Satisfied by Improvement: Heavy ramp volumes will be accommodated without contributing to congestion, with the implementation of extended merge areas / auxiliary lanes along I-516. Technical Justification: Installation of extended merge and diverge areas is expected to provide additional capacity for interchange access. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Not included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. Recommendation for Further Analysis: Project eliminated from consideration because traffic congestion within this study area occurs due to congestion on surface streets including SR 21, SR 25 and US 17. Operational improvements along the surface streets within this study area are beyond the scope of this project. I-516 between I-16 and Veterans Parkway already in preliminary engineering to widen to 6 lanes.

HOV Lanes along I-16 from I-95 to I-516 (Analysis Area R)

Project Type: Installation of HOV lanes along Interstate. Extents: I-95 to I-516. Purpose of Improvement: The I-16 HOV would provide additional capacity for high occupancy vehicles traveling along the corridor. Need Addressed by Improvement: The widening of I-16 would assist in relieving over-capacity conditions anticipated along this section of Interstate. The HOV lanes would promote carpooling and reduce automobile emissions.

Technical Justification: The widening of I-16 to provide six through lanes will result in improved year 2030 Interstate LOS based on results of the Chatham Interstates Plan Model. If LOS C conditions are achieved, it is not likely that a travel time difference will be present to provide the benefit necessary to make HOV lanes an attractive alternative. Since the widening of the general purpose lanes can provide the desired capacity, that solution is preferred. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Not included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. Recommendation for Further Analysis: Project eliminated from consideration because the I-16 corridor from I-95 to I-516 is expected to operate at LOS E in 2030 under congested conditions with its current four-lane configuration, but will operate at LOS C with the additional capacity of the planned 6-lane configuration. Therefore, implementation of HOV lanes are not likely to provide the travel time benefits necessary to encourage travelers to shift from single occupancy to multiple occupancy.

HOV Lanes along I-516 from I-16 to Montgomery Street (Analysis Area S)

Project Type: Installation of HOV lanes along Interstate. Extents: I-16 to Montgomery Street. Purpose of Improvement: The I-516 HOV would provide additional capacity for high occupancy vehicles traveling along the corridor. Need Satisfied by Improvement: The widening of I-516 would assist in relieving over-capacity conditions anticipated along this section of Interstate. The HOV lanes would promote carpooling and reduce automobile emissions. Technical Justification: The I-516 2030 Interstate conditions are projected to provide LOS C based on results of the Chatham Interstates Plan Model. If LOS C conditions are achieved, it is not likely that a travel time difference will be present to provide the benefit necessary to make HOV lanes an attractive alternative. Since the widening of the general purpose lanes can provide the desired capacity, that solution is preferred. Also, since I-16 HOV lanes are not recommended for further analysis, the short section along I-516 would not provide enough length to serve as an effective HOV system. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Not included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. Recommendation for Further Analysis: Project eliminated from consideration because the section of I-516 south of I-16 to its southern terminus is approximately 4 miles, which is too short to provide an effective HOV system by itself. Therefore, the viable HOV

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alternative for this corridor is to operate as an extension of a further reaching HOV system along I-16 west of I-516. Since HOV is not recommended for I-16, the extension of the HOV onto I-516 is also not recommended. In addition, the planned widening of I-16 from four to six lanes will improve LOS, negating the need for HOV lanes.

Addition of Truck Lanes along I-95 from Bryan County to South Carolina (Analysis Area T)

Project Type: Addition of two truck only lanes to the Current 6 travel lanes. Extents: I-16 to South Carolina. Purpose of Improvement: The addition of truck only lanes along I-95 will provide additional capacity for truck traffic, freeing the remaining travel lanes for general purpose use. Need Satisfied by Improvement: The truck volumes anticipated along I-95 suggest that a well utilized truck lane system would open up capacity in the general purpose lanes while reducing conflicts between trucks and automobiles. The additional capacity along I-95 will relieve over-capacity conditions anticipated along I-95 (year 2030 deficiencies exceed the capacity equivalent to that of one-half a travel lane in each direction). Technical Justification: The addition of truck only lanes along I-95 results in improved year 2030 freeway LOS based on results of the Chatham Interstates Plan Model (2006). Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Not included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. Recommendation for Further Analysis: Project eliminated from consideration as part of the Chatham Interstate Plan to prevent a duplication of efforts with the Statewide Truck Lanes Needs Identification Study. The results of that study indicate that truck lanes are not appropriate for the Chatham Interstate system.

Frontage Roads along I-95 from SR 204 to Quacco Road (Analysis Area U)

Project Type: Frontage roads connecting Quacco Road and SR 240 to provide Interstate access to Quacco Road without new interchange. Extents: Along both sides of I-95 between SR 204 and Quacco Road. Purpose of Improvement: Provide connection between Quacco Road and SR 204 corridors.

Need Satisfied by Improvement: Connectivity between adjacent corridors will improve Interstate access with or without a new interchange at I-95 and Quacco Road (Analysis Area N) Technical Justification: Connection to an interchange will improve connectivity and reduce overall vehicle miles traveled. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Not included in CUTS 2030 LRTP.

Recommendation for Further Analysis: Project eliminated from consideration since anticipated traffic demand does not warrant frontage roads at this location. I-95 Truck-Only Interchange South of US 80 (Analysis Area V)

Project Type: Truck-only interchange accessing truck only lanes. Extents: I-95 south of US 80 with connecting road to US 80. Purpose of Improvement: Provide means for truck ingress and egress from freeway truck-only lanes, if installed (Analysis Area R), to Airport and industrial areas along I-16 and US 80 corridors. Need Satisfied by Improvement: The truck volumes anticipated along I-95 suggest that a well utilized truck lane system would open up capacity in the general purpose lanes while reducing conflicts between trucks and automobiles. The additional capacity along I-95 will relieve over-capacity conditions anticipated along I-95 (year 2030 deficiencies exceed the capacity equivalent to that of one-half a travel lane in each direction). Technical Justification: The addition of truck-only interchanges will relieve surrounding interchanges by significantly reducing truck traffic accessing those facilitates. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Not included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. Recommendation for Further Analysis: Project eliminated from consideration as part of the Chatham Interstate Plan to prevent a duplication of efforts with the Statewide Truck Lanes Needs Identification Study. The results of that study indicate that truck lanes are not appropriate for the Chatham Interstate system.

I-95 Truck-Only Interchange South of SR 21 (Analysis Area W)

Project Type: Truck-only interchange accessing truck only lanes. Extents: I-95 south of SR 21 with connecting road to Jimmy DeLoach Parkway.

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Purpose of Improvement: Provide means for truck ingress and egress from freeway truck-only lanes, if installed (Analysis Area 18), to Port of Savannah and industrial areas along SR 21 corridor. Need Satisfied by Improvement: The truck volumes anticipated along I-95 suggest that a well utilized truck lane system will free capacity in general purpose lanes while reducing conflicts between trucks and automobiles. The additional capacity along I-95 will relieve over-capacity conditions anticipated along I-95 (year 2030 deficiencies exceed the capacity equivalent to that of one-half a travel lane in each direction). Technical Justification: The addition of truck-only interchanges will relieve surrounding interchanges by significantly reducing truck traffic accessing those facilities. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Not included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. Recommendation for Further Analysis: Project eliminated from consideration as part of the Chatham Interstate Plan to prevent a duplication of efforts with the Statewide Truck Lanes Needs Identification Study. The results of that study indicate that truck lanes, and thus, truck only interchanges, are not appropriate for the Chatham Interstate system.

Reconstruction of I-16 at Chatham Parkway Interchange (Analysis Area X)

Project Type: Interchange reconstruction. Extents: I-95 in vicinity of Chatham Parkway. Purpose of Improvement: Enhancement of traffic operations and safety. Need Satisfied by Improvement: Reconstruction of the I-95 interchange at Chatham Parkway will enhance its capability to accommodate anticipated traffic volume growth. This improvement will address interchange operations/capacity and safety needs to satisfy year 2030 projected traffic volumes. Technical Justification: The reconstruction of the I-95 at Chatham Parkway interchange is expected to enhance intersection operations at the interchange resulting in reduced delay and crash experience. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Not included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. Recommendation for Further Analysis: Recommended for further analysis and inclusion as a Potential Project Recommendation.

Widening of I-16 from Old River Road in Effingham County to I-95 (Analysis Area Y)

Project Type: Widening of Interstate from 4 to 6 travel lanes. Extents: Effingham County to I-95. Purpose of Improvement: The I-16 widening will provide additional capacity for general purpose traffic traveling along the corridor. Need Satisfied by Improvement: The widening of I-16 will relieve over-capacity conditions anticipated along this section of Interstate (year 2030 deficiencies west of I-95 indicate worse than LOS C without widening). The additional lanes will improve safety along the Interstate as congestion related crashes will be reduced. The additional capacity will result in reliable truck movement along I-16, along with general purpose traffic. Technical Justification: The widening of I-16 results in improved year 2030 Interstate LOS based on results of the Chatham Interstates Plan Model. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Not included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. Recommendation for Further Analysis: Recommended for further analysis and inclusion as a Potential Project Recommendation.

Interchange Reconstruction/Auxiliary Lanes along I-516 north of I-16 (Analysis Area Z)

Project Type: Interchange reconstruction/Auxiliary lanes. Extents: I-516 from I-16 to SR 21. Purpose of Improvement: Enhancement of Interstate operations and safety by addressing traffic operational needs due to ramp operations at multiple access points within a small section of I-516. Need Satisfied by Improvement: Heavy ramp volumes are accommodated through implementation of extended merge areas / auxiliary lanes along I-516 and modified access location and configuration. Technical Justification: Addressing deficient operations due to close ramp spacing is expected to reduce delay and enhance Interstate safety.

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Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Not included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. Recommendation for Further Analysis: Project eliminated from consideration because traffic congestion within this study occurs area due to congestion on surface streets including SR 21, and SR 25. Operational improvements along the surface streets within this study area are beyond the scope of this project.

Interchange Reconstruction/Auxiliary Lanes along I-516 south of I-16 (Analysis Area AA)

Project Type: Interchange reconstruction/Auxiliary lanes. Extents: I-516 from I-16 to Veterans Parkway. Purpose of Improvement: Enhancement of Interstate operations and safety by addressing traffic operational needs due to ramp operations at multiple access points within a small section of I-516. Need Satisfied by Improvement: Heavy ramp volumes are accommodated through the implementation of extended merge areas / auxiliary lanes along I-516 and modified access location and configuration. Technical Justification: Addressing deficient operations due to close ramp spacing is expected to reduce delay and enhance Interstate safety. Inclusion in CUTS 2030 LRTP: Interchange Reconstruction not included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. I-516 Widening included in CUTS 2030 LRTP. CUTS priority ranking number: I-A Recommendation for Further Analysis: Project eliminated from consideration because planned widening of I-516 between I-16 and Veterans Parkway expected to allow this section of I-516 to operate at acceptable LOS.

4.2 Potential Project Recommendations The initial assessment of the existing and projected future conditions identified 27 Analysis Areas within the Interstate system in Chatham County. Potential solutions were examined to address the needs and deficiencies associated with these locations. These areas then underwent a quantitative and qualitative analysis to identify which Analysis Areas and potential solutions demonstrated the greatest need and potential for improvement. Analysis Areas were dismissed for numerous reasons. Some simply did not have a direct impact on the Interstate system, others

were far enough along in the planning and programming process that it did not make sense to include in this planning study (i.e. the widening of I-516 between I-16 and Veterans Parkway, PI # 522850, is a needed improvement; however, preliminary engineering is underway and thus would not benefit from being studied in this planning level exercise). Several Analysis Areas and projects were the subject of other ongoing studies and were rejected to prevent duplication of analysis. Many Analysis Areas were discounted because they did not demonstrate sufficient justification. The result of this refinement process yielded twelve Potential Project Recommendations presented on the following pages. These recommendations do not necessarily represent the twelve most important projects within Chatham County as of 2008, instead, these recommendations are the twelve most needed Interstate projects that are currently unfunded for construction. The twelve Potential Project Recommendations are listed in Table 4.2 (see page 4-13) and are shown in Figure 4.2 (see page 4-14). Please refer to Section 2 (see page 2-1) of this report for a detailed description and concept layout of each potential project recommendation that address these Potential Project Recommendations.

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Table 4.2: List of Preliminary Analysis Areas Identified for Detailed Analysis

No. Project Location From To Type

Lanes

Length (mi) Purpose GDOT PI # Included in

CUTS 2030 LRTP? Existing Proposed

1 I-95 at SR 21 Vicinity of Interchange Interchange Reconstruction - - - Improve roadway capacity and I-95

interchange operations N/A No

2 I-16 at I-95 Vicinity of Interchange Interchange Reconstruction - - -

Operational and capacity improvement associated with conversion to a partly directional interchange (removal of part of Cloverleaf)

N/A No

3 I-16 at SR 307/Dean Forest Road

Vicinity of Interchange Interchange Reconstruction - - - Safety and Operational Improvements and

Enhancement of Truck access N/A No

4 I-95 US 17 in Bryan County I-16 Widening 6 8 7.7 Increased capacity to accommodate projected

traffic volume 511035 Yes

5 I-95 at SR 204 Vicinity of Interchange Interchange Reconstruction - - - Reconstruction of interchange to

accommodate future capacity needs N/A No

6 I-16 at Chatham Parkway Vicinity of Interchange Interchange

Reconstruction - - - Reconstruction of interchange to accommodate future capacity needs N/A No

7 I-95 I-16 SR 21 Widening 6 8 13.1 Increased capacity to accommodate projected traffic volume 511165 Yes

8 I-95 at US 80 Vicinity of Interchange Interchange Reconstruction - - - Safety and operational improvement of US 80

interchange with I-95 N/A No

9 I-16 I-95 I-516 Widening 4 6 7.3 Provide capacity along I-16 corridor N/A Yes

10 I-16 at I-516 Vicinity of Interchange Interchange Reconstruction - - -

Operational and capacity improvement associated with conversion to a directional interchange (removal of left-side entrances from I-516 to I-16)

0006256 Yes

11 I-16 Old River Rd. In Effingham County I-95 Widening 4 6 7.6 Provide Interstate capacity to accommodate

future demand N/A No

12 I-516 Veterans Parkway Mildred Street Widening 4 5 2.1 Increased capacity to accommodate projected traffic volume N/A No

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Figure 4.2: Potential Project Recommendations