MARTA to consider major transit expansion in Georgia 400 corridor

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is exploring the possibility of extending heavy rail, light rail or bus rapid transit service in the Georgia 400 corridor in north Fulton County, according to an "early scoping" notice MARTA filed Aug. 23 with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

MARTA and FTA officials will host a public meeting on Sept. 26 to solicit comments on the scope of the transit alternatives analysis.

Officials are evaluating extending service within an existing right of way for 11.9 miles from the North Springs MARTA station in Dunwoody to Windward Parkway in Alpharetta. The project would be designed to improve transit links and coverage to communities within the corridor, and address traffic congestion by offering an alternative to automobile travel, the notice states.

The corridor is home to many employment centers, including Perimeter Center in the southern portion of the corridor, one of the region's largest employment centers.

Once the alternative analysis process is completed, FTA and MARTA officials anticipate identifying a preferred mode and corridor for further evaluation as part of a process required under the National Environmental Policy Act, according to the notice.