Alternatives

This study will develop and evaluate possible alternatives which appear to solve the identified problems and to identify possible technical, environmental and fundability issues.

• Consideration will be given to a limited range of alternative actions for the purpose of identifying viable improvements and eliminating solutions which are not feasible.  These alternatives shall include, but not be limited to, consideration of providing additional capacity at existing crossings, a new crossing, modifying and improving traffic processing through technology, and other options as relevant. Approach road/operational alternatives are also needed.
  

• Life cycle costs to maintain both the north and south channel bridges at the Thousand Islands will be estimated.

The engineering criteria and an environmental assessment of each of the alternatives identified for further study shall be developed.  This assessment shall address both U.S. and Canadian requirements.

• Concept level geometric and service characteristics of each alternative and required approaches will be developed.
  

• Concept level plans and profiles for potential location alternatives will be developed, including approach options.
  

• A general assessment of each feasible alternative’s impacts on social, economic and environmental considerations will be made to determine the environmental feasibility of each of the alternatives.

The estimated costs, user benefits and suggested funding mechanism for each alternative identified for continued study will be developed.

• Highway user costs for each remaining alternative will be estimated.
  

• Possible right-of-way, construction, operational and maintenance issues for each feasible alternative will be identified.  Ballpark construction of toll facilities, customs and immigration facilities and approach routes will be included in the development of the planning level cost estimates.
  

• The importance of these international crossings to the local, regional and national economies shall be documented and the impact excessive delays can have on international trade and economic performance will be identified.

The major issues involved in undertaking each of the alternatives will be addressed.

• Possible actions required to implement each of the alternatives such as those required by federal (U.S. and Canadian), State and Provincial legislation, Corps of Engineers, SEQRA, NEPA, etc. will be identified.
  

• A schedule for implementing study recommendations will be developed.