The Preferred Alternative, or East Side Alignment, would construct a multiuse trail and pedestrian bridge over the Chattahoochee River on the east side of SR 9. The trail would begin at the intersection of SR 9 and Roberts Drive and end at the intersection of SR 9 and Riverside Road. The proposed multiuse trail would vary in width from 10 to 14 feet wide. The approach trail to the pedestrian bridge from the north bank of the river would be 12 feet wide, widening to a 14–foot width on the pedestrian bridge, and narrowing to 10 feet at the southern terminus to connect with an existing sidewalk. The approach sections to the bridge would be constructed on fill, with a concrete retaining wall and stamped stone finish facing the Vickery Creek Unit of the CRNRA.

The pedestrian bridge would convey the 14-foot wide multiuse trail and be approximately 674 feet long, separated from SR 9 a maximum of approximately 30 feet at the widest point. The pedestrian bridge would include lighting and three 20-foot wide refuge areas. The refuge areas would "bulb out" from either side of the trail on the bridge to allow pedestrians a place to stop and rest, and enjoy the river scenery out of the path of more active users along the trail. The multiuse trail and bridge would be constructed in compliance with ADA requirements.

Due to the length of the bridge, construction activities would include placement of temporary rock jetties from each side of the river. The jetties would not be constructed at the same time, and one jetty would be removed prior to placement of the second jetty. The phased placement of the jetties is to ensure access along the Chattahoochee River for recreational uses during construction. However, during the placement of the jetty from the north side of the river, a section of the Riverside Multi-Use Trail adjacent to the east side of SR 9 would be temporarily closed. Access to the trail would remain open from public parks east and west of SR 9. Each jetty is anticipated to be in place approximately 9-10 months.

By request, a Public Hearing Open House (PHOH) will be held using one-on-one sessions or small groups consisting of no more than 10 individuals, including representatives from Roswell and Sandy Springs, that complies with CDC recommended guidelines for social distancing and the Governor’s Executive Order. All the materials that will be presented can be found on this website. The PHOH would be by appointment only.

SR 9 currently offers the only alternative in the vicinity for connection between trails, recreational areas, and residential development on both sides of the Chattahoochee River. There are currently no dedicated bike lanes or adequate pedestrian facilities to cross the SR 9 bridges.

The purpose of the project is to provide safe pedestrian access across the Chattahoochee River for walkers, joggers, and cyclists and to improve connectivity between residential areas and recreational facilities along the Chattahoochee River in both cities. Separation of the cyclists and pedestrians from vehicular traffic on the SR 9 bridges would encourage use of the facility by offering a safer alternative to the current access, and improve connectivity between residential areas, multi-use trails and sidewalks, recreational areas, businesses, restaurants, and retail areas. Connectivity across the Chattahoochee River would enhance linkage of trail systems and sidewalks, and encourage the use of pedestrian and cycling facilities as alternatives by commuters travelling to and from work.

In compliance with the 1969 National Environmental Policy Act, the cities of Roswell and Sandy Springs, in coordination with the Georgia Department of Transportation, has conducted an assessment of the social, economic and environmental effects for the proposed construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Chattahoochee River. The following information gives a summary of the environmental document.

No residential unit(s) or business(es) would be displaced by the proposed project. Please see the right-of-way acquisition statement in the section below for more information.

In accordance with Executive Order 11990, the proposed project was surveyed for wetland and stream involvement. One jurisdictional wetland and two jurisdictional streams were identified within the project's Area of Potential Effect (APE), as shown in Figure 12. It is estimated that 0.13 acre of wetland and 108 linear feet of stream would be impacted by the proposed project. Impacts would be from temporary fill, or permanent construction impacts. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Section 404 permit would be required for this project. Mitigation would be required as a result of stream and wetland impacts. 108 2018 or 1,296 grandfathered stream credits and 0.10 2018 or 0.80 grandfathered wetland credits would be required from a USACE approved mitigation bank.

A stream buffer variance would be required for non-exempt impacts to the vegetated buffer of PS -1, as shown in Figure 12, in accordance with requirements outlined in 391-3-7.05 under the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division, Erosion and Sediment Control Branch. No buffer mitigation is required.

A Notice of Intent (NOI) to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System is required, due to over one acre of land disturbance. The NOI will be submitted prior to construction.

In accordance with Executive Order 11988, the proposed project was surveyed for floodplain involvement. The proposed project would not significantly encroach upon floodplain or floodways within the project area, as shown in Figure 13. The project would not have an adverse effect on water quality within the project corridor.

The proposed project would not exceed state and federal air quality standards, and it is consistent with the State Implementation Plan for the attainment of clean air quality in the state.

Based on the type of project and user the construction of this project would not result in substantial, long term noise increases.

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the project has been surveyed for existing and eligible National Register properties. Two eligible cultural resources were found to be located within the project's APE, as shown in Figure 9. The proposed project would have no adverse effect to one of the resources, and not impact to the other.

The proposed project would not affect any federally threatened or endangered plant or wildlife species, as no species are habitat are located in or frequent the project area.

In accordance with the Farmland Protection Policy Act, the criteria of 7 CFR, Part 658 have been applied to determine the project effects on farmland. Based on the assessment of these effects, the project would not involve farmland, and no alternates need to be examined.

The proposed project has been surveyed for potential sites where contaminated soil and/or water from leaking underground storage tanks may exist. No potential sites were identified.

• Combined Statement of Findings for Floodplains and Wetlands
• Environmental Assessment

The cities of Roswell and Sandy Springs have the responsibility, once the NEPA document is approved, of appraising and purchasing property. When purchasing property, the desire is to pay full market value for the necessary property. This value will be established by using qualified real estate appraisers who will prepare written appraisals using actual sales data in the surrounding community.

In making an appraisal, the appraiser will contact each property owner and arrange a convenient time to make an on-site inspection of the property with him or her. After completion of the appraisal, the right-of-way appraisal staff will review and field check the findings for accuracy to ensure that all things relating to value have been considered in establishing the amount to be offered. When only a part of the property is needed, that part of the property will be purchased, plus pay for loss of value, if any, to the remaining property. In all cases when property is purchased additional payments will be made to property owners for the cost of transferring ownership to either Roswell or Sandy Springs. These costs generally include transfer taxes, deed-recording fees, mortgage pre-payment penalties and the pro-rata share of city or county taxes.

Results of the field inspection have revealed that there will be no residential or businesses required to relocate.

The City of Sandy Springs will be in charge of acquiring the necessary right-of-way for this project. For information regarding the right-of-way acquisition process please contact:

Maggie Grant, EIT
Project Engineer, Public Works Department
City of Sandy Springs
1 Galambos Way
Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328