Usually numerous alternatives to solve the identified transportation problems are subsequently developed. Potential environmental impacts are identified and reviewed qualitatively. The information and the alternatives developed are presented to the public at information meetings. Through the planning analysis of alternatives and the input received from the public, one or more of the alternatives are identified as preferred alternatives that are proposed for advancement into the design process. The Route 347 project is currently in this Planning stage.
Public involvement continues throughout the design process.
The first four phases comprise preliminary design. These phases are intended to provide design details which lead to further refinement of the preferred alternatives recommended by the planning process. The alternatives undergo a detailed and quantified evaluation of their environmental impacts. Other reasonable alternatives, which were not considered during the planning process but which might adequately address the identified problems and minimize any potential environmental impacts, may also be considered during preliminary design. The ROD describes the one final alternative which will be advanced to the last two phases of the design process.