Rail
​Atlanta to Chattanooga

What is High Speed Ground Transportation (HSGT)?​

HSGT is an option for the Atlanta to Chattanooga corridor for several reasons. Mostly, because it can provide quick, reliable, environmentally friendly, and comfortable city- to city- travel at speeds of 180 mph or greater – getting you where you want to go faster. The Atlanta to Chattanooga corridor has been a focus area in recent years for development of a new train system to improve transportation between the two cities.

Cemetery Locator  
 

Newsletter

This newsletter provides information on the high capacity alternatives along the 110-mile corridor between Atlanta and Chattanooga.

Fall 2017 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Fall 2016 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​


Tier 1 Combined Final Environmental Impact Statement

The Combined Tier 1 Final EIS (FEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD) (Tier 1 FEIS/ROD) responds to substantive comments received during the public and agency review and comment period.


Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is available for public review. View the DEIS and appendices and learn how the high speed ground transportation corridor alternatives will affect mobility, safety, the environment, and economic growth.


Public Meetings

HandoutsDate
Alternatives ComparisonOctober 18, 2016
Alternatives ConsideredOctober 18, 2016
Project TimelineOctober 18, 2016
HSGT Vehicle TechnologiesOctober 18, 2016
Project BackgroundOctober 18, 2016
EIS Public Meeting 1October 14, 2016


Why HSGT?

Transportation demand is outpacing existing and planned roadway capacity between Atlanta and Chattanooga. Currently, there are three major highways serving the corridor: I-75, US 41, and US 27. These highways are projected to operate at or above capacity by the year 2025. There is a need for additional capacity, but increasing vehicular capacity alone may not be an adequate strategy.

Plan

This Tier I EIS will investigate and assess transportation, environmental and planning issues for potential HSGT service developed for the study. The potential corridor alternatives will include, a variety of routes, station locations, operating plans and potential for phased implementation. The study will also estimate ridership, capital and operating costs, revenue projections and economic impacts.

Purpose

The purpose of the Atlanta – Chattanooga HSGT Project is to enhance intercity passenger mobility and economic growth between the metropolitan areas and airports of Atlanta, Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee by providing new, high-speed ground transportation passenger service. The Project is also intended to provide faster and more reliable intercity travel in the corridor by providing an alternative to highway, intercity bus, and air travel in a manner that is safe, reliable, and cost-effective, while avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating impacts on the human and natural environment.

 


During the scoping process, 15 unique corridors extending from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to downtown Chattanooga were identified.  A map of each can be seen by clicking on each corridor name from the drop down list below.



Magnetic Levitation (MAGLEV)

Maglev
  • Potential speeds over 300 mph
  • Station spacing 30+ miles
  • Grade separated right-of-way
  • Electric power to magnets from track
  • Magnetic force lifts and propels on guideway

Steel Wheeled

Maglev
  • Potential speeds up to 220 mph
  • Station spacing 30+ miles
  • Grade separated right-of-way
  • Electric power from overhead wires to vehicle
  • Steel wheel on steel rail

NOTE: These are the only two technologies available that meet the project’s minimum speed requirement

 


  • Enhance regional transportation mobility and accessibility
  • Spur economic growth and regional vitality
  • Provide safe, efficient, reliable transportation
  • Enhance airport access and intermodal connections
  • Improve air quality nonattainment areas and minimize environmental impacts
 


 

 

Contacts

Please send your questions and comments to the following representative:

Georgia Department of Transportation
Division of Intermodal
600 West Peachtree Street, NW
Atlanta, GA 30308

Email​​​​​​​​​​​​