Corridor Studies 

Often, a large transportation project will begin with a corridor location study that evaluates the potential impacts of the roadway or bridge and concentrates on minimizing adverse effects the project may have on the environment, businesses, residential areas, traffic, etc.  The goal of the corridor study is to determine the overall best possible route for the new or relocated highway or bridge by taking into consideration engineering feasibility, cost, and environmental effect.

Volkert, Inc., has conducted corridor studies for a number of state departments of transportation, municipalities, and other governmental bodies. Each study is unique in its requirements and approach, and Volkert's professionals make it a priority to insure that the engineering and environmental studies result in a signed Record of Decision (ROD) granting location for the project.

The project scope of a typical corridor study will include most of the following: engineering analysis; conceptual design for roadway and bridge improvements; evaluation of environmental concerns such as noise, air, wetlands, and contamination; and sociological, historical and cultural community impacts. Public involvement, specifically with local residents and businesses, is an important aspect of a corridor study as is coordination with appropriate agencies, such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Highway Administration, historical agencies, and special interest groups. 

Volkert's specialized expertise in this type of engineering includes the capability to provide the full range of required services in-house, including environmental, survey, traffic studies, civil and structural engineering, and preparation of visuals for public information and public meetings. Volkert takes an active part in the public involvement program, attending both public and agency meetings.

Studies offered by Volkert include:

  • Alignment feasibility studies
  • Preliminary design studies
  • Location studies
  • Line and grade studies
  • Traffic studies
  • Project development and environmental studies (PD&E)
  • Categorical Exclusion (CE)
  • Environmental assessment (EA)
  • Environmental impact statement (EIS)

 

Typical Avoidance Map

Corridor Avoidance Map