Connect Cobb
Through the Connect Cobb project, Cobb County is developing a transit solution for the mobility needs in the Northwest Atlanta Corridor, defined as US 41/Cobb Parkway and I-75 between Cobb County and City of Atlanta. The project proposes the addition of Arterial Rapid Transit (ART) along U.S. 41/ Cobb Parkway. The majority of the ART system would operate on dedicated guideway (from the Kennesaw area to Cumberland), with continuing service in the existing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on I-75 to the existing Metropolitan Atlanta Regional Transit Authority (MARTA) Arts Center Station. The proposed system would begin at the terminus station at Kennesaw State University (KSU) near the intersection of Chastain Road and Frey Road. Fourteen (14) ART stations are proposed in Cobb County.
An Alternatives Analysis (AA) was completed for the project in December 2012 that identified the locally preferred dual-service alternative. An Environmental Assessment (EA) was initiated in early 2013 to further define the alternative and assess its effects on mobility in the corridor and on the surrounding environment.
Alternatives Analysis
Cobb County conducted the Connect Cobb/Northwest Transit Corridor study, an Alternatives Analysis to investigate transit options and their impact on mobility, livability and connectivity on Cobb Parkway/U.S. 41 and I-75.
The AA developed a recommended locally preferred alternative (LPA) that identified a high capacity transit system best suited for the corridor. The selection of the LPA involved analyzing several types of fixed guideway transit including light rail, BRT and dedicated busway.
In conjunction with the study, land use, economic development, and redevelopment opportunities were considered with emphasis on transit oriented development and transit station area planning. To complement the technical components of the AA, a robust public involvement program was implemented to ensure community and stakeholder involvement. The study began in August 2011 and was completed December 2012.
Following completion of the AA report, the Connect Cobb project advanced to an Environmental Assessment.
Alternatives Analysis Report (December 2012)
- Executive Summary
- Alternatives Analysis Report
- Appendix A: Detailed Environmental and Cultural Analysis
- Appendix B: Travel Demand Modeling and Ridership Forecasting Methodology
- Appendix C: Detailed Land Use and Economic Development Analysis
- Appendix D: Concept Designs and Costs
- Appendix E: Public Opinion Polling
- Appendix F: Potential Funding Sources Research
For more information, please contact Kristine Hansen-Dederick at (404) 377-4012.
Fact Sheets
Presentations
- November15, 2011: Stakeholders Roundtable Kickoff
- January 25, 2012: Partners/Technical Team
- February 7, 2012: Stakeholders Roundtable
- February 28, 2012: Board of Commissioners Work Session
- September 11, 2012: Board of Commissioners Work Session
- September 25, 2012: Board of Commissioners Work Session
- October 23, 2012: FTA
Additional Information
- CobbTV video segment on the Alternative Analysis study
- Transit Rider Outreach Survey (Spring 2012)
- College and University Online Survey (Spring 2012)
- Initiation Package - Submittal to FTA (December 2011)
- Initiation Package - FTA Comments with CDOT responses (December 2011)
- Economic Roundtable
- Environmental Roundtable
- Financial Roundtable
- Land use Roundtable
- Transportation Roundtable
Environmental Assessment
Connect Cobb Northwest Atlanta Corridor Environmental Assessment FTA Issues a Finding of No Significant Impact
On April 1, 2016, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Region IV Administrator issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on the Connect Cobb environmental Assessment.
Finding of No Significant Impact
Public Hearing Open House
On June 29, 2015, FTA and Cobb County DOT hosted a public hearing open house for the proposed Connect Cobb project from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Cobb County Department of Transportation (DOT), 1890 County Services Parkway, Marietta, GA 30008.
The open house provided the public with an opportunity to review the EA and its findings and ask questions and comment on the project. There was no formal presentation.
For those unable to attend the Open House, the information handouts and boards that were on display at the Open House are available below. In addition, the EA is available below. Paper copies of the EA are also available at the Cobb County DOT office (1890 County Services Parkway | Marietta, GA 30008).
Written statements will be accepted concerning the project until July 14, 2015. Statements may be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to:
Mr. Marty Sewell, Connect Cobb EA Project Manager
Cobb County DOT,
1890 County Services Pkwy
Marietta, GA, 30008
All comments received will be part of the official record.
Open House Information Boards and Handouts
- What is Connect Cobb?
- What is the Proposed Project?
- Proposed Project Map
- Alignment Map
- Station Types
- Arts Center Routing and Configuration
- Issues Studied and Project Impacts/Benefits
- Section 106 - Historic Properties
- Conceptual Estimate of Probable Costs Summary
- Alternatives Analysis and Environmental Assessment Outreach
- Planning Activities and Approvals
- How to Comment
- Open House Handouts
Environmental Assessment (EA) is approved!
In April 2015, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved the EA for the Connect Cobb project for public review. Included in the EA process is a detailed evaluation of the benefits and impacts of the proposed improvements to the natural, built and social environments; preparation of ridership and travel time forecasts; and calculation of probable construction costs.
Following the close of the comment period on July 14, 2015, FTA and CCDOT will consider all comments submitted. Based on the information in the EA and the comments, FTA will make a determination on the extent of the environmental impacts.
Documents
- Connect Cobb Corridor Environmental Assessment (April 2015)
- Appendix A: Agency Correspondence
- Appendix B: Meeting Summaries
- Appendix C: Transportation Supporting Information
- Appendix D: Land Use Supporting Information
- Appendix E: Cultural Resources
- Appendix F: Hazardous Materials Supporting Information
- Appendix G: Noise Supporting Information
- Appendix H: Air Quality Supporting Information and Correspondence
- Appendix I: Ecology
- Appendix J: Environmental Justice Supporting Information
- Appendix K: Concept Plan Exhibits
- Appendix L: List of References
Frequently Asked Questions
- DOT Notification to the FTA (6/15/15)
- FTA Response to Questions from The Atlanta Journal Constitution (6/18/15)
- DOT Response to Connect Cobb Questions (6/23/15)