Interstate 3 a good idea but needs to be redesigned (Columbus: how much, school)

[therealpattman]

Interstate 3 is a proposed interstate that would link the nations second largest east coast port with the states 2nd largest metropolitan then Knoxville, TN. I personally like this idea, even if Augusta does not get Interstate 14 which right now is a toss up, the area will experience tremendous growth and the need for such a route will eventually rear its head once again. I do feel that the path needs to be adjusted. If you follow me on the Augusta forum you have heard of an idea I designed about 3 years ago called Interstate 63. It solves all the logistical errors that Interstate 3 has and extends it further south to Tallahassee, FL. Please tell me how you feel and your opinion. I am currently deployed to Afghanistan and when I return I will go to school to study urban and regional planning. I will help this become a reality some day but I need feedback.

[southgeorgia]

Thomas county made it clear a couple of years ago that they do not want an interstate going through there. They protested a proposal for an interstate route from Monticello, fl to Columbus that would've paralleled hwy 19.

[WanderingImport]

Perhaps the answer to the Thomas county dilemma could be a bypass around that county, either to the east or west. Of course, that would mean the beginning of this proposed interstate would have to begin at a different location. Either further to the east of Tallahassee or to the west of Tallahassee (which would mean a longer interstate with a sharper curve to the east, perhaps entering the Albany area at a distance of 20 or so miles to the southeast of Albany proper and curving east from there).

Another path I would edit is north of Augusta. (This area is very tricky considering there is the Sumter National Forest on the South Carolina side to the north and Strom Thurmond Lake on the Georgia side)
Either build the interstate slightly west of Augusta near Thomson bypassing Strom Thurmond lake to the west and carry it further north to enter the Greenville region on it's west side to meet up with I-26 just inside North Carolina via US 25...
OR
use Augusta's 520 perimeter as noted to carry it inside South Carolina at North Augusta, bypass the Sumter National Forest on it's eastern border following SC 121 and cutting northwest at Saluda to form a bypass around Greenwood and continue north entering the Greenville region on its west side connecting to I-26 just inside North Carolina via US 25. (Slight alternative to THAT would be to parallel US 25 through Sumter Nat'l Forest and continue on up that way)

[JoeP]

How can one county shoot down an entire plan?

[therealpattman]

Originally Posted by JoeP

How can one county shoot down an entire plan?

Depending on how much support they receive, however an idea can be rerouted to bypass the county, in the end they will be the one missing out on the growth.

[therealpattman]

This is my revised north route and south route. The total distance is 380 miles from Interstate 26 near Greenville, SC to Tallahassee, FL. I have also created the Savannah Connector which is 58 miles long.

[therealpattman]

This is the entire project overview..... The blue line indicates the connection between Knoxville and Interstate 26. I really can not think of a better idea. It is complete and look at how much uncovered area it now covers with an interstate. You all tell me.

[tckr83]

The blue "knoxville connector" already exist, does it not? It's I-40 to Asheville and then I-26...

[therealpattman]

Originally Posted by tckr83

The blue "knoxville connector" already exist, does it not? It's I-40 to Asheville and then I-26...

It does the blue is highlighted to show the route.

[WanderingImport]

Why would you create a second perimeter around Augusta? That is just asking for more sprawl.

Also, the reason I didn't connect your proposed I-63 to I-26 before the Greenville-Spartanburg split is because Greenville could benefit more by having a north route to Asheville and beyond.