As part of the I-285 Strategic Implementation Plan study a great deal of data has been compiled to aid in establishing precise  characteristics of  existing traffic along I-285. This section will present some of the data gathered in this study. While data are initially used to provide insight into traffic characteristics along various segments of I-285, they are also used in the preparation of transportation models.  The transportation models will assist in the evaluation of different improvement scenarios developed in other phases of this study. There are three general categories of data:
  • Speed Data;
  • Level of Service Data; and
  • Accident Data.

Speed Data

Two types of speed data have been collected: (1) spot speeds and (2) segment speeds. Spot speeds are speeds associated with a particular location along I-285.  The spot speed data was gathered from the Georgia Department of Transportation's Automatic Traffic Management System (ATMS) on I-285. These data are recorded by the ATMS for individual lanes at a particular location. Speeds at ten locations on I-285 from I-75 (north) to I-20 (east) were summarized.

 

Segment speed data was gathered from the Atlanta Regional Commission's (ARC) Speed Study completed in 2001 and 2002. These data represent the average speed for traveling between set locations on I-285. These data covered the majority of I-285 sixty-three mile corridor.

To view examples of some of these data click on the Speed Data button.

 

Level of Service Data

The Level of Service is a way to measure the level of congestion on a segment of a roadway. The level of service is a graduated scale from A to F with A being the best and F the worst. Levels of Service A through C are generally accepted as high levels of service with little or no congestion. Level of Service D is associated with moderate congestion. Level of Service E designates heavy congestion and Level of Service F denotes severe congestion.

 

To view examples of some of these data click on the Level of Service button.

 

Accident Data

 A review of accident data will aid in the identification of potential problem locations. Accidents are generally categorized into three groups:

  • Property Damage Accidents;

  • Injury Accidents; and

  • Fatality Accidents.

Accident data for a four year period along the entire I-285 corridor using the latest information available.

 

To view examples of some of these data click on the Accident Data button.