The Georgia Department of Transportation (GA DOT) is looking at three possible high-speed train routes between Atlanta, GA and Chattanooga, TN.
According to the GA DOT’s study, the best route would follow Interstate 75 with 8 stations over 128 miles. The route would take 88 minutes one-way—the fastest of the three possible routes.
The idea of a high-speed train connecting the two cities has been on the table since 2007, with series of studies being conducted by the GA DOT in the process.
Georgia Senator Jeff Mullis has been campaigning for the creation of such a train since 2009 when he proposed legislation for a high-speed “plane train” running directly from Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport to the Chattanooga Municipal Airport.
Sen. Mullis and many others believe that a high speed train in between the two cities will increase intercity mobility and economic growth, reducing traffic congestion and encouraging travel between the two cities.
The GA DOT has scheduled 3 upcoming public meetings about the project. The meetings are set for Nov 15 in Atlanta, Nov 16 in Chattanooga, and Nov. 17 in Dalton, GA.