Five preliminary alternatives were developed based on the purpose and need for the project and with an understanding of the existing conditions and constraints along the corridor. The alternatives were developed to limit the need to expand out of the existing right-of-way and impact adjacent neighborhoods and CSX railroad while maintaining the same access at existing ramp locations.

Click on the images below to see the conditions, considerations, and constraints that went into the development of the five preliminary build alternatives.

Step 2a:

Based on a preliminary evaluation of future traffic needs for 2046 and cost, Alternatives 3, 4, and 5 were eliminated from consideration. Since future traffic (2046) shows a need for 8 lanes, Alternative 1 was modified and a new Alternative 6 was developed to provide an interim 6 lane condition and an ultimate 8 lane condition. In the interim (near-term) phase, Alternative 1 widens to the inside first and Alternative 6 widens to the outside first.

Step 2b:

Alternative 1 was eliminated because it would require demolition of interim improvements and significant reconstruction to widen to the outside in the ultimate phase.

The two remaining build alternatives (Alternatives 2 and 6) were further developed and refined based on preliminary study analysis results.
Click on each of the typical sections below to see the differences between the existing South Selmon Expressway and these two build alternatives. More details on the two alternatives are shown in the following section of the website. These two alternatives were presented at an Alternatives Update held on September 10, 2020.

Based on the results of the study analysis and public input at the Alternatives Update meeting, THEA identified Alternative 6 as the Preferred Alternative. Click the link to see more details on the Preferred Alternative. Details on the Preferred Alternative are provided in this website and will also be presented at a Public Hearing scheduled for February 25, 2021.