Norwood Emerges with Buckhead-Cobb Subway Concept (Atlanta, Clayton: sales, real estate, buy)

[primaltech]

Originally Posted by Iconographer

How would you route the line out of Lindbergh to Cobb?

Probably the best way to accomplish that (besides the I-285 route I mentioned above), would be to have the NW line run southbound from Lindbergh, using existing platforms and tracks (which would be a little strange, but signage would explain it for riders). No construction required at Lindbergh.

Then right around here somewhere:

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.8024.../data=!3m1!1e3

You'd split it out there, and run it in GDOT ROW along I-85 for a sec and then I-75 all the way, I guess. Or along the Norfolk Southern corridor and then the Tilford Yard corridor and then out that way, maybe.

Or, split it out here at Peachtree Creek:

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.8155.../data=!3m1!1e3

Then it would run along the NW Beltline/CSX, then run to Cobb either along I-75, Tilford/CSX, or maybe the Silver Comet.

Those corridors are the options, unless you do a deep-bored tunnel under the residential parts of Buckhead, which would take forever and be very expensive. So I just don't see that happening. Mary Norwood is basically just saying it would be cool to have, I don't think the idea is really going anywhere. But maybe.

[primaltech]

While we're talking tunnels under Buckhead, I think it would be so cool and useful if Northside Pkwy continued in a tunnel eastward from here:

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.8394.../data=!3m1!1e3

And popped out here as Sidney Marcus Blvd at Piedmont Rd, which is also at Lindbergh MARTA station:

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.8258.../data=!3m1!1e3

Like a tolled tunnel for cars, and with a BRT or LRT line in the middle of it, that would then continue out in the median on Northside Pkwy/Cobb Pkwy.

Then, combined with a new East Paces Ferry exit on 400 (which is planned by Buckhead planners), via Sidney Marcus that would allow an easy new access to the Lenox Mall area from Cobb. Also Buford Highway, and a new way to get to I-85.

[primaltech]

Or, less ambitious/expensive but maybe even more useful version, have the tunnel pop out due east, at Pharr Rd @ Peachtree, then you'd access Lenox via Peachtree, and maybe a Cobb BRT could run to Buckhead and Brookhaven stations.

That would relieve poor West Paces Ferry, which desperately needs some kind of relief. (Or widening, which ain't likely.)

[bu2]

Originally Posted by Newsboy

I’m assuming you mean ALL UNDERGROUND ... a true “subway” line?

Up until you reached I-75.

[MattCW]

If we're going to the expense of tunneling, a far better service to both Atlanta and Cobb would be to tunnel down along Northside Dr. and have a commuter rail transfer station somewhere near 10th st. Something like this: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1DL...Hr&usp=sharing
Yes, I also have a Cobb HRT line on there for grins and giggles. But from a budgetary perspective, ignore the Cobb HRT line for now and run CRT out to Acworth or Cartersville.

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by MattCW

If we're going to the expense of tunneling, a far better service to both Atlanta and Cobb would be to tunnel down along Northside Dr. and have a commuter rail transfer station somewhere near 10th st. Something like this: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1DL...Hr&usp=sharing
Yes, I also have a Cobb HRT line on there for grins and giggles. But from a budgetary perspective, ignore the Cobb HRT line for now and run CRT out to Acworth or Cartersville.

Looks good to me. And why not HRT in Cobb? Bite the bullet and make it an effective transportation line.

[MattCW]

Because for now CRT IS effective for Cobb. I'm also showing this in terms of limited budgets. If we build the HRT to Cumberland, we may not be able to build the CRT to Kennesaw/Acworth/Cartersville.

[arjay57]

I will have to give Norwood credit for thinking outside the box.

The tunnel idea seems pretty doable to me. The COA just dug a 5 mile tunnel 12 feet in diameter for $300 million in connection with the Reservoir Park project. Not long ago Cobb dug an even bigger tunnel (6 miles and 27 feet in diameter) for about the same price.

So the costs should be manageable.

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by MattCW

Because for now CRT IS effective for Cobb. I'm also showing this in terms of limited budgets. If we build the HRT to Cumberland, we may not be able to build the CRT to Kennesaw/Acworth/Cartersville.

I do see your point...there is rather an "either-or" situation here.

[jsvh]

Originally Posted by Iconographer

Actually, I was referring to certain comments on a previous thread.

Atlanta mayoral race: Poll shows Mary Norwood with early lead

That bolded statement I quoted was directly from Norwood's policy page.

I am still not a fan of her NIMBYism approach to many things, but she did seem to come around in the campaign and take a more moderate stance. And if you remember, I ended up voting for her in the runoff.

As for this idea, we will still need a lot of details. If it is an all underground line 100% funded by private partnerships and maybe something like congestion charges on Buckhead streets, then sounds great! But I do not think that is likely to be the case.

I will be interested to see the details of this route and how it will get funded. Until then I remain hopeful that it can happen but skeptical that it can be built and funded with minimal disruption and controversy considering there has been basically no serious study into a route like this.