WHO
- CARTA (the transit agency) is leading the initiative
- Arcadis is the selected consulting team
- A Steering Committee including City representatives, community members, and economic development partners will guide the project
WHAT
- A Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning Study called “Connect the Corridor”
- Focuses on two main goals:
- Planning for future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) with station locations and land use evaluation
- Improving safe access to transit through infrastructure improvements
- Includes a Corridor Infrastructure Gap Analysis & Funding Strategy that will identify and prioritize improvements in:
- Sidewalk continuity
- ADA accessibility
- Crosswalk safety
- Bike lanes and connectivity
- Security lighting
- Neighborhood connections to transit
WHEN
- Project kickoff meeting scheduled for March or April 2026
WHERE
- Brainerd Road / Lee Highway corridor in Chattanooga
- Study area includes the corridor and approximately ½ mile surrounding it
WHY
- To improve safe access to transit for neighborhoods
- To support responsible development and long-term economic growth
- To position CARTA to pursue competitive infrastructure funding (Safe Streets for All, Transportation Alternatives Program, RAISE/BUILD grants, etc.)
- To connect neighborhoods to jobs, schools, healthcare, and transit
Funding: $700,000 federal Transit-Oriented Development Planning Grant
