I-16 Exit Ramp Removal Study
Study Overview
The I-16 exit ramp at MLK Jr. Blvd. and Montgomery Street has frequently been seen as a physical and psychological barrier to economic development, pedestrian activity and neighborhood revitalization along the corridor. While the area to the north of the flyover has thrived in recent years, the area to the south has not seen the same rate of revitalization.
This study will build on previous studies conducted by the SDRA in 1998, 2002, 2004 and 2009; and the 2008 GDOT study. The project will include a very extensive and comprehensive public participation process.
The project will be managed by the Metropolitan Planning Commission who will coordinate with the consultant (Wilbur Smith Associates), subconsultants (Sottile & Sottile, Urban Partners, Grice and Associates, McMillan and Associates, and Gilbert & Lattimore), DOT, Federal Highway Administration, neighborhood groups, stakeholders, and other interested parties. Partners in the study include Chatham County, the City of Savannah, SDRA and CORE MPO.
The study involves four main areas of focus: Civic Master Plan, Economic Analysis, Real Estate Appraisal, and Transportation Analysis.
The Civic Master Plan will include identifying a series of streets and blocks currently occupied by the existing flyover and on-ramps; developing a plan to restore larger connections between the city center, the downtown Expansion Area to the west, and surrounding neighborhoods; historic research; and urban design.
The Economic Analysis will include assessing the potential for redevelopment of properties that could be made available through the demolition of the current I-16 flyover ramps. Specifically, the study will include alternative development scenarios as determined through stakeholder meeting and charettes; detailing potential phasing approaches to the development of these sites; and economic feasibility analyses of each major alternative for the study area.
The Real Estate Appraisal will include determining the value of the I-16 flyover as a right-of-way and the potential value if the flyover were to be removed and redeveloped.
The Transportation Analysis will include the development and evaluation of different scenarios for the extension of the existing grid pattern, analysis of traffic redistribution and road realignments in the study area and surrounding context area.
The benefits of the I-16 exit ramp removal will be significant. A few of the highlights include: reclaiming nine acres of developable land, 650 linear feet fronting MLK, and 350 linear feet fronting Montgomery; reclaiming MLK as a major economic mixed-use corridor, reinventing it as a gateway to City instead of as the edge of downtown; establishing additional connectivity between downtown to West Savannah and to the planned civic center development; creating the opportunity to make Montgomery Street two-way; improving traffic flow with a new street grid; providing economic opportunities in the newly created City-owned land; bringing more people to area which will in turn create a larger marketplace (the population may double or triple); and finally laying the groundwork for expansion of streetcar system.
The study is expected to be complete by the end of the summer of 2010.
The first public charrette was held February 17-19. There will be several more public meetings (dates to be determined) before the study's completion.
Public Charrette Februrary 17-19, 2010
On February 17-19, 2010 the MPC hosted the first public charrette on the I-16 exit ramp removal study. With over 250 attendees throughout the three days, particiipants reviewed a developmental history of the area, established goals and visions for the project through a facilitated discussion, put concepts onto paper during an open design charrette, and provided feedback and comments throughout the three days. Please see the flyer for a more detailed schedule.
Please find below the information presented at the charrette:
History and Evolution
Medium resolution version
High resolution version
Urban Analysis and Current Conditions
Medium resolution version
High resolution version
Process and Public Participation
Medium resolution version
High resolution version
Charrette Sketches and Preliminary Concepts
Medium resolution version
High resolution version
Text only version
For more information, questions, or comments please contact:
Ellen Harris, LEED A.P., Project Manager
912.651.1482
harrise@thempc.org
