As Georgia interstate travel becomes increasingly congested, the state Department of Transportation analyzes three possible routes for a high speed rail line linking Atlanta and Chattanooga.

One route tracks I-75.  At 128 miles, it would be the shortest route between the Atlanta and Chattanooga airports and take the least time at just under 90 minutes.

According to Chattanoogan.com, a second possibility routes through Chatsworth while a third would go through Rome.  The Rome line would be the longest at 150 miles and take the most time, 102 minutes.

An analysis forecasts more riders if Rome's part of the route, an estimated 13,000 a day.  The I-75 route could draw close to 12,000 daily riders while the Chatsworth line might attract 8,500 commuters.

Projected costs range from $8.76 billion for the I-75 line to $9.8 billion through Rome and over $10 billion via Chatsworth.

Along I-75, Chattanoogan.com reports stops would include Cumberland Mall/Galleria, Town Center, Cartersville and Dalton.

Public hearings are scheduled November 15 in Atlanta, November 16 in Chattanooga and November 17 in Dalton.

Agencies in Georgia and Tennessee will also evaluate environmental impact reports before finalizing the preferred route.