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Corridor Studies
A corridor study is essentially a master plan to guide improvements
and development in a manner that helps protect the intended function of corridor. Corridor
studies examine and address issues of strategic importance to the long-term functioning and
character of a transportation corridor. Typically these studies focus on areas such as corridor
analysis, alternatives development and selection, visioning, implementation, and partnering
agreements. The purpose of a study is to develop a plan that addresses current and future
(short-term and/or long-term) transportation needs for a particular corridor. Such plans
are developed and oriented in a collaborative manner in order to best achieve overall
stakeholder agreement on the future of a corridor.
The majority of corridor studies in North Carolina will be performed on designated Strategic
Highway Corridors. The studies will be developed in a manner to aid in achieving the
long-term or ultimate vision for the Corridor. Each Strategic Highway Corridor is unique
in regards to its function, purpose, and manner in which it fits into the framework of
the national, statewide, and regional transportation system. In developing a corridor
study, there is no "one size fits all" solution: each study should be scoped in a way
that incorporates the uniqueness of the individual corridor; however all should contain
the following elements:
- Analysis of the existing corridor
- Purpose and need for improvements
- Coordination with partnering agencies and other key stakeholders
- Public outreach and involvement
- Alternatives development and analysis
- Implementation or action plan
Additional elements should be considered for achieving specific goals of a corridor study:
- Access management or operations analysis (primarily for existing sections)
- Functional or conceptual design for improvements (primarily for existing sections)
- Land use analysis
- Systems-level environmental analysis
- Indirect and cumulative impacts analysis (ICI)
- NEPA decision or Record of Decision (ROD)
- Economic impact analysis
Outcomes from corridor studies may be incorporated into or used as supporting information for
project-level environmental documents, potentially streamlining future evaluations.
Depending on the level of analysis performed in a corridor study, information provided
may assist in reducing the number of alter-natives evaluated during the project-level
environmental analysis. This may in turn reduce duplication of analysis efforts.
The cost of a corridor study depends on goals and intent of study, the length of the corridor
being studied, and the number, type, and level of effort of elements included. Studies can
range from tens of thousands of dollars to several million dollars, while taking a few months
to several years to complete.
Funding corridor studies can come from a variety of sources. NCDOT may contribute a portion of
funding for a corridor study, but other sources of funding include local municipalities and
counties, MPOs, RPOs, and FHWA. The level and participation of funding from non-NCDOT sources
depends on the local interest/desire for a study, along with the type of elements included.
Specifically, including a detailed land use analysis may entail a higher portion of funds from
the local area. Additionally, developing a cost-sharing agreement for a corridor study will
help ensure adequate participation from all parties, as each will have a vested financial stake
in the outcome.
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