The selection and evaluation of preliminary alternatives within the study area includes the consideration of a variety of criteria such as:

•  Impacts on residential communities and neighborhoods, specific social groups, business developments, archaeological sites and historic architectural properties, and parks.

•  Impacts on wetlands, wildlife habitat, and natural systems.

•  Water Supply Watersheds.

•  Economic impacts on businesses due to relocation or loss of accessibility.

•  Section 4(f) sites; i.e. publicly owned land of a wildlife refuge, recreation area, or a historic site.

•  Regional and state transportation goals.

•  Traffic operational and safety conditions and congestion.

•  Economic considerations, including relative cost of construction and road user costs.

•  Compatibility with accepted geometric design standards and criteria.

•  Geological stability and acidic material.

•  Potential for encroachments in floodways and floodplains.

•  Hazardous material sites.

The eleven (11) preliminary alternatives evaluated in this report, including the “improve existing” alternative, are shown in this linked figure.

The analysis of the preliminary alternatives will serve to identify the detailed study alternatives to be evaluated thoroughly in the forthcoming Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).