Two state agencies unveiled a series of options last week for easing I-285 traffic flow, with proposals ranging from toll lanes to installation of tracks for a new light rail system.

The Georgia Department of Transportation and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority showed the proposals as part of the Revive 285 Top End initiative, which is seeking possible improvement to I-285 near “Spaghetti Junction” at I-85.

“We have a couple of goals in mind,” Georgia Regional Transportation Authority Engineer Shaun Green said. “We are looking to relieve traffic and increase mobility along the corridor.”

Currently, Revive 285 includes eight alternative designs for the corridor. The concepts were revealed to area residents last week during three days of public meetings at the Atlanta Marriott Perimeter in Dunwoody.

The concepts range from simply repaving and maintaining the existing 10 lanes on I-285, to installing a light rail system.

Other options include:

n The designation or construction of managed lanes for carpools or drivers who would pay to use the lanes.

n Bus rapid transit lanes that would be designated for buses, have several stops along the corridor and tie into existing mass transit systems like MARTA.

Some DeKalb residents, like Bob and Phyllis Wright who live near Murphey Candler Park in north DeKalb, are skeptical of the plan’s chances for success.

“I hope it will improve things,” Bob Wright said after looking at the eight alternatives presented at the public meeting.

“I don’t think it will change anything,” he added. “If you make improvements it will just make more traffic.”

The next step in the Revive 285 process, Green said, is a state government review of public comments on the alternatives, narrowing down the selection and compiling an environmental impact statement to present to the Federal Highway Administration.

The project is not eligible for federal funds unless the environmental impact statement is approved by the highway administration. No cost estimates were revealed because it is still in a conceptual stage, officials said.

Once funding is secured the state will begin final design and right of way acquisition to begin construction.

Green said a majority of the project’s funding will come from federal grants, with some state and local matches.

But do not expect anything too soon, he said.

“We are probably two or three years out from any land acquisition,” Green said.

To view the concept, get information and updates on the Revive 285 Top End project, call (770) 431-7445, visit www.revive285.com or e-mail info@revive285.com.