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MICHIGAN/GRAND RIVER CORRIDOR
Since the summer of 2009, the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA), has partnered with local communities to study the possibility of major transportation improvements alongthe Michigan / Grand River Corridor. The Michigan / Grand River Avenue Transportation Study is following the Federal Transit Administration’sThe Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is an agency within the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) that provides financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems. process called an Alternatives Analysis.VISION STATEMENT - MARCH 2, 2010
The Michigan/Grand River Avenue Transportation Study provides an opportunity for communities along the corridor to work together to connect their assets in a way that will support existing businesses, stimulate regional economic development, and improve the quality of life for all residents. The study will determine whether there is sufficient regional support for the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) to pursue federal funding for a quicker, higher-capacity way for residents to travel the busy route between the Capitol building and Meridian Mall. The decisions being made now will be important for decades to come for everyone who lives and works in this region.LINKING OUR COMMUNITIES
Michigan / Grand River is one of the most important corridors in the tri-county area of Lansing, Michigan. It connects the State Capitol, downtown Lansing, Sparrow Hospital, downtown East Lansing, Michigan State University and the Meridian Mall. Mobility and accessibility along the corridor is vital to the long-term economic health of the region. Route 1, which runs along Michigan and Grand River Avenues, is the region’s most popular bus route. Given the concentration of students, residents, and jobs along the corridor, there is also a significant amount of walking and bicycling.LATEST NEWS
June 4th, 2010
Click here to review new "One Pagers" on station locations and the evaluation of alternatives.May 27th, 2010
On May 26th, the Steering Committee approved transitway alignments and potential station locations in Downtown Lansing and at the Meridian Mall. Click here to review updated information on the Corridor Alternatives under consideration.Join our email list for updates
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS
An Alternatives Analysis identifies and evaluates the costs, impacts, and benefits of different transportation investments. AlternativesFor the purposes of transportation studies, an alternative is a proposed package of transportation improvements. Each alternative is detailed enough so that comparisons can be made with other alternatives. See also No Build Alternative. may include enhanced bus serviceBRT is a higher capacity form of traditional bus transit. This permanent, integrated system uses buses or specialized vehicles on roadways or dedicated bus lanes while offering the flexibility in routes and vehicles to adjust to demand. , light rail transitLRT is a railway powered by overhead electrically wires in train lengths of one to three cars. They can be operated along dedicated rights-of-way or along a city street using tracks that are embedded into the pavement. They carry “lighter” or smaller passenger volumes than subway or commuter rail systems, but provide greater capacity than buses. , streetcarsStreetcars are a particular kind of rail transit designed to serve higher density areas with frequent stops. Like LRT, they are powered by overhead wires. However, because they are not designed to travel fast over longer distances, streetcars typically travel on tracks that are embedded into travel lanes shared with other vehicles. They typically operate as one car, which enables them to mix more easily with other traffic., roadway / intersection improvements, parking, and bike lanesBike paths are pathways dedicated for bicycle use that are physically separated from parallel traffic. They are often constructed of bituminous pavement and run parallel to a sidewalk and/or boulevard.. The study will also consider the needs of the pedestrian, including sidewalks and streetscapeStreetscape refers to physical features and amenities along a street. They include pedestrian lighting, special pavement, banners, benches and planters. The intent of streetscape is to beautify the street, particularly areas used by pedestrians. The completion of the Alternatives Analysis will occur when the study’s Steering Committee recommends a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA)The LPA is an alternative that a local jurisdiction has concluded best meets a corridor's long-term transportation needs. If the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) believes the LPA has merit and is cost-effective, the agency will approve the project to advance into preliminary engineering. . This will outline a package of improvements that the community will pursue. At the conclusion of the study, CATA will submit a request to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is an agency within the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) that provides financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems. to begin preliminary engineeringPreliminary engineering involves the design of all major or critical project elements to the extent that all major impacts and costs are known. This provides a basis for identifying environmental impacts for developing a funding and implementation strategy. Preliminary Engineering follows an Alternatives Analysis after a Locally Preferred Alternative has been selected. .
© 2009 URS Corporation All rights reserved.June 16, 2010
