Roads & Highways

Last modified Thursday, March 06, 2008 12:56

At the intersection of three interstates, Atlanta serves as the crossroads of the southeast United States. As a result of massive growth over the last 25 years, Atlanta’s roadway network has become overburdened and congested. Below you will find a variety of ways the Atlanta Regional Commission is addressing these issues.

There are three general classifications of roadways in the Atlanta Region:

Freeway (a.k.a. Interstate): A divided highway having two or more lanes for the exclusive use of traffic in each direction and full control of access. The freeway is the only type of hghway intended to provide complete "uninterupted" flow.
Arterial: A major thoroughfare that is vital for moving people and goods: feeds into the interstate and freeway systems.
Collector: Intended to balance access and mobility considerations by serving through movement as well as access to land. Collectors connect traffic on highways and arterials to local streets and adjacent land.

Improving Traffic Flow in the Atlanta Region

Intelligent Transportation Systems - The application of technologies such as signal synchronization and emergency management to reduce congestion and other traffic issues.
Congestion Management Process (CMP) - Strategies to reduce congestion focusing on improved efficiency and alternatives to single-occupant vehicles (SOV).
Access Management - Systematically controlling the location, spacing, design, and operation of driveways, median openings, interchanges, and street connections to a roadway.
Commute Options - Explore ridesharing, transit, and other options.
Envision6 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) - The region's current long-range transportation plan.

Additional Information