Description:

TSW was retained by Spalding County and the City of Griffin to examine the former Southern railway railroad corridor to identify corridor segments that are potentially suitable for a shared use off-road rail-with-trail facility and develop a pedestrian and bicycle master plan for the 7.75-mile corridor. TSW also evaluated mixed-use development potential along the rail corridor and determined interconnectivity of this potential rail-trail corridor with existing and proposed local, regional, and statewide economic development corridors, redevelopment areas, trail systems, greenways, and bicycle/pedestrian networks.

The study included urban design standards and improvements to the roadway, transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities. One key component included multi-use paths and bikeways: shared use paths that are important corridors for commuter trips and provide a desirable facility for cyclists of all skill levels. TSW identified the design standards (widths, materials, grades, etc.) for multi-use paths and bikeways for a variety of conditions, including floodway and floodplain trails, elevated trails, and shared neighborhood electric vehicles. Cost estimates were included that indicated a three-phase approach. Potential federal, state, local, and private funding strategies were identified to build the project.