DOCSLIB.ORG

Southwest Light Rail Transit a New Transportation Alternative for Eden Prairie

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Southwest Light Rail Transit a New Transportation Alternative for Eden Prairie SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2013 edenprairie.org SOUTHWEST LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT A New Transportation Alternative for Eden Prairie Alternatives for improved transit in the Southwest Corridor have been under study by the Metropolitan Council since the completion of the Hwy. 169/I-494 interchange. It is projected that as the mid-1980s. In November 2009 the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA) recommended the numbers of people and jobs in the corridor increase, traffic congestion construction of a light rail transit (LRT) line connecting Eden Prairie with jobs, medical services, restaurants and will worsen, making the area less economically attractive — unless new entertainment in Minnetonka, Hopkins, St. Louis Park and Minneapolis. This Southwest LRT route would also connect transportation options are created. Multiple studies conducted by state and directly to the Central Corridor LRT becoming part of the Green Line with direct service to the University of Minnesota regional agencies project that as the numbers of people and jobs in the and St. Paul. Southwest Corridor increase, traffic congestion will worsen, which could make The proposed Southwest Green Line Extension would also allow transfers near Target Field to access the Blue Line the area less economically attractive if additional transportation options are not (Hiawatha LRT, in service since 2004) with service to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport as well as the in place. The resulting comprehensive evaluation of transportation alternatives Northstar commuter rail line. shows that light rail transit is the best option for maintaining mobility in the Southwest Corridor, connecting employers and workers and mitigating the As currently proposed, the line would be 15.8 miles long with 17 stations expected to open in 2018. The project’s adverse economic impacts of increasing traffic congestion. construction and long-term operation would be funded primarily through a mix of federal and state sources. The City of Eden Prairie is not expected to contribute financially to the transit project itself. However, the City may request that It is important to note the Southwest LRT is intended to complement other forms aesthetic improvements – also called “betterments” – be included in the final project design along the portion of the line of transportation such as bus transit, highway transit, walking and bicycling. that runs through Eden Prairie. These improvements would complement the City’s existing redevelopment plans for the Together all modes of travel are needed to decrease congestion, improve air Town Center area and be funded by the City. quality and provide the public with options for mobility. PROJECT StatUS StatIONS The Southwest LRT/Green Line Extension Project is currently in the engineering phase of project development. The As currently proposed, the Southwest LRT/Green Line Extension will include project received approval to enter Preliminary Engineering (PE) from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in 17 new stations: September 2011. In January 2013, the Metropolitan Council awarded contracts for Preliminary Engineering services to Five stations in Eden Prairie two companies. • Mitchell Road • SouthWest Station The PE process, expected to be complete in early 2014, will finalize about 30 percent of the design work. During • Town Center • Golden Triangle Area this phase, the Metropolitan Council and project partners will: select an alignment alternative; finalize plans for station • City West/United Health Group placement and design; refine estimates of project costs, benefits and impacts; finalize management plans; and identify Two stations in Minnetonka any required local funding sources. Two stations in Hopkins Three stations in St. Louis Park ROUTE Five stations in Minneapolis In May 2010 the Metropolitan Council selected a preliminary route, which they call the “Locally Preferred Alternative” Station design and siting will be finalized during the Preliminary Engineering (LPA). The LPA would start west of Mitchell Road in Eden Prairie and go through SouthWest Station, the north end phase of project development, which is expected to be complete in of our Town Center area, the Golden Triangle area and the new United Health Group development in City West, early 2014. before passing into the Opus Corporate Center in Minnetonka, downtown Hopkins, St. Louis Park (including service to Methodist Hospital) and through Minneapolis on the Kenilworth route. At the same time, the Metropolitan Council CITY INVOLVEMENT amended the regional 2030 Transportation Policy Plan (TPP) to include rail along the corridor, making the project Although the Green Line Extension is not a municipal project, the City of Eden eligible for federal funding. Prairie has been actively involved in the planning efforts of the Metropolitan This map shows the Locally Preferred Council, to ensure the project will bring a positive economic impact to the Alternative (LPA) for the project selected community, and best serve our residents and businesses into the future. by the Metropolitan Council in 2010. The LPA is one of several alignments that PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT were initially considered for the project. The lead agency for the project is the Metropolitan Council, which has Information on initial alternative alignments established a Southwest Project Office to oversee the project, address public is included in the Southwest Transitway Draft comments and provide frequent project updates. Visit Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), metrocouncil.org for more information and subscribe to receive which can be found at metrocouncil.org. “Southwest LRT News” email updates The final route is dependent on the outcome of the environmental review process and The Southwest LRT community outreach coordinators are the first point of preliminary engineering, which began in contact for members of the public, community organizations and corridor 2013. Based upon the City of Eden Prairie’s businesses. They are available to answer questions, receive input on the comments, the preliminary engineering project and help resolve issues. process includes analysis of alternatives for Daren Nyquist, Metropolitan Council’s outreach coordinator for serving Eden Prairie’s Town Center area Eden Prairie, can be reached at 612-373-3894 or and addressing other City concerns such as [email protected]. potential traffic impacts. ROUTE SELECTION The general route of the Green Line Extension was selected to help meet the current and future transportation needs of the region. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS More than 210,000 jobs and 60,000 people in 31,000 households are presently located within 1 half mile of the There is now a new way to submit your ideas and comment on others for proposed Southwest LRT stations. The Southwest Corridor is projected to add 30,000 households and 60,000 new how areas around planned LRT stations should change in anticipation of jobs by 2030 — more than any other part of the metropolitan area except the Central Corridor. light rail coming in 2018. Several key roadways serving the corridor have received high mobility deficiency ratings from the Minnesota Southwest LRT Beyond the Rails is an online platform for community Department of Transportation (MnDOT), and no major expansions or improvements are planned for the corridor after dialogue — to join the conversation visit swbeyondtherails.com. More information about the Southwest LRT project can also be found at edenprairie.org/swlrt. NIGHT TO UNITE BY THE NUMBERS AND Thousands of Eden Prairie residents gathered with friends and neighbors in early August to continue the summer tradition POLICE FIRE of celebrating Eden Prairie Night to Unite. Here are a few statistics from the record-breaking evening: OPEN HOUSE 151 The number of neighborhood gatherings for 139 The number of neighborhoods who incorporated a the Night to Unite event. collection of donations for PROP (People Reaching 5,033 The number of adults who celebrated the out to Other People) into the evening’s festivities. evening together. 150 The total number of City officials and Saturday, Oct. 12 3,427 The number of children who enjoyed a fun representatives from the Eden Prairie Police and 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. summer evening. Fire Departments who made stops at each of the local gatherings. 7,790 The total pounds of donated items collected 8080 Mitchell Road for PROP. Eden Prairie Night to Unite 2013 was by all means a successful event, bringing friends and neighbors together to Entertainment – Tours – Refreshments celebrate and strengthen their commitment to a safe community. Demonstrations – Fun – Information PUBLISHED BY: City of Eden Prairie | Communications Division | 8080 Mitchell Road | Eden Prairie, MN | 55344-4485 | 952-949-8300 | edenprairie.org | facebook.com/cityofedenprairie MAYOR: Nancy Tyra-Lukens [email protected] 952-937-1898 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Brad Aho [email protected] 952-303-6884 Sherry Butcher Wickstrom [email protected] 612-296-3721 Ron Case [email protected] 952-949-0915 Kathy Nelson [email protected] 952-941-6613 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2013 AROUND EDEN PRAIRIE A Page from the Blog of City Manager Rick Getschow LIVING GREEN LED Street Lights June 6, 2013 Over the past several years we have been working on our 20-40- While LED street lights are not new to 15 initiative, which is aimed at improving energy efficiency in City the market, we are one of the few cities Green up Your School Year facilities by 20 percent, improving the fuel efficiency of the City’s that have installed them. Additionally, the Going back to school is an exciting time because vehicle fleet by 40 percent and achieving these goals by the year manner in which we installed the lights everything’s new – teachers, fellow students, school supplies. 2015. is very unique. Working with our vendor However, National Geographic Kids encourages children We are getting close to achieving our goal through current City we were able to reuse the existing street and parents to “go green” this school year by reusing projects such as: light housing units and just simply replace last year’s school supplies and considering the following the internal system with LED panels.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Southwest LRT Corridor: Connecting People to Jobs, Housing, Shopping, and Fun
    Southwest LRT Community Works Vision Adopted by the Southwest LRT Community Works Steering Committee on April 21, 2011 The Southwest LRT corridor: connecting people to jobs, housing, shopping, and fun. The Southwest Community Works Initiative collaborates with citizens, businesses, and government to align land use and transit planning so that the Southwest LRT Corridor is a premiere destination that is · accessible · livable · vibrant Economic competitiveness and job growth Promoting opportunities for business and employment growth Housing choices Positioning the Southwest LRT communities as a place for all to live Quality neighborhoods Creating unique, vibrant, safe, beautiful, and walkable station areas Critical connections Improving affordable regional mobility for all users The Southwest LRT Corridor now and in the future is a: Jobs corridor: Within 1/2 mile: 210,000 jobs now; 270,000 by 2030 1,000 construction jobs per year (2014-2016) Housing corridor: Within 1/2 mile: 31,000 housing units now; over 40,000 by 2030 Growth corridor: Within 1/2 mile: 60,000 population now; 75,000 by 2030 Commuter corridor: Nearly 30,000 daily trips by 2030 High reverse commute ridership; over 7,000 daily trips by 2030 Southwest LRT Community Works Adopted Vision Statement The Southwest LRT Community Works Initiative collaborates with citizens, businesses and government to align land use and transit planning so that the Southwest LRT Corridor is a premiere destination that is accessible, livable and vibrant. Guiding Principles These Guiding Principles are a reflection of the cooperative efforts underway between the jurisdictions in the Southwest LRT Corridor to guide land use and economic development in and around station areas in a transit-supportive manner.
    [Show full text]
  • Next Steps Study
    Prepared for: City of Englewood 1000 Englewood Parkway Englewood, CO 80110-2373 City of Sheridan 4101 S. Federal Boulevard Sheridan, CO 80110-5399 Prepared by: Felsburg Holt & Ullevig 6300 S. Syracuse Way, Suite 600 Centennial, CO 80111 In Association With: ArLand LLC Bachman PR Design Workshop Toole Design Group Table of Contents Page Executive Summary -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ES-1 Acknowledgements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ES-18 1.0 Introduction -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 1.1 Study Location and Description -------------------------------------------------2 1.2 Vision ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 1.3 Objectives ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 1.4 Planning Context ---------------------------------------------------------------- 5 1.4.1 South Santa Fe Drive Corridor Improvements Study ------------------- 6 1.4.2 North Englewood Small Area Plan -------------------------------------- 6 1.4.3 CityCenter Englewood: Redevelopment of the Cinderella City Mall -- 6 1.4.4 Englewood Industrial Urban Renewal Plan and the General Ironworks Development Plan ------------------------------------------- 7 1.4.5 Southwest Light Rail Transit Line Major Investment Study ------------- 7 1.4.6 Englewood Civic Center Pedestrian Underpass Feasibility Study ----- 7
    [Show full text]
  • The South Gateway: Increasing the Viability of Penn Station in Bryn Mawr
    T H E SOUTH GATEWAY Increasing the viability of Penn Station in Bryn Mawr Consultants Arthur Huang Brian McLafferty Marshall Moore Kay Qualley 2011 Table of Contents Executive Summary 1 Part I: Introduction 2 Part II: Diagnosis 7 Background 8 Station Area Description 15 Previous Station Area Planning Efforts 18 Bryn Mawr Survey 21 Stakeholder Analysis 24 SWOT Analysis 26 Problem Statement 30 Part III: Vision 31 Part IV: Action Plan 40 Articulate Regional Development Goals 41 Expand Housing Options 42 Improve Neighborhood Mobility 45 Increase Regional Connectivity 53 Preserve Natural Resources 56 Create a Sense of Place 60 Part V: Appendix 63 Map of Southwest LRT Corridor 64 Southwest LRT Planning Process Timeline 65 Funding Toolkit 66 Bryn Mawr Survey Tabulation 68 Shade Tree Recommendations 73 Bibliography 74 PART I: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Penn Station, Bryn Mawr’s proposed light rail transit (LRT) This vision seeks to address concerns about Penn Station stop on the yet-to-be-built Southwest LRT Corridor, is at feasibility by pursuing five regional development goals: risk of being excluded from the project as a result of high • Expanded housing options in the station area engineering costs and low daily originated ridership figures. • Improved mobility within the neighborhood This possibility is a concern to residents living in the • Increased regional connectivity station’s vicinity, many of whom desire access to LRT service • A healthy natural environment and are supportive of the Penn Station proposal. The purpose • A sense of neighborhood identity of this plan is to help Penn Station advocates isolate, and potentially mitigate, the most significant barriers to Penn Station viability.
    [Show full text]
  • Permit 16-221 Metropolitan Council METRO Green Line LRT .Pdf
    Permit Application No.: 16-221 Rules: Erosion Control, Stormwater Management, Waterbody Crossings and Structures, Shoreline and Streambank Stabilization, Floodplain Alteration, Wetland Protection Applicant: Metropolitan Council Received: 5/03/2016 Project: METRO Green Line LRT Extension (SWLRT) Complete: 1/13/2017 Location: Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and Minneapolis Noticed: 1/13/2017 Recommendation: Approval of MCWD permit application with the following conditions: Submission of documentation of acquisition by the applicant of all necessary property-use rights within a Segment before any work in the Segment begins (providing for issuance of permits on a Segment-by- Segment basis). Completion of a draft Public Entity Maintenance Agreement for Stormwater Management BMPs and waterbody crossings for approval by MCWD staff prior and execution. In addition, staff recommends that the managers’ approval include delegation of authority to approve requests for Amendments to permit 16-221, unless a request requires approval of a variance. (The administrator would have the discretion to bring any request to the board if it raises a policy, technical or legal question that, in his view, should be considered by the board.) Background The Metropolitan Council (Applicant) has applied for a Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD or District) permit as part of the METRO Green Line LRT Extension (SWLRT) Project (Project), a proposed 14.5 mile light rail transit line from Eden Prairie to downtown Minneapolis. The Project area within the MCWD traverses the cities of Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and Minneapolis and involves approximately five miles of freight rail, light rail, and paved trail construction along with the construction of six stations and construction of three park-and-ride lots.
    [Show full text]
  • Request for Proposals
    REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Southwest LRT Community Works Transitional Station Area Action Plans Date of Issue: February 21, 2012 Date Due: March 26, 2012 Issued by Hennepin County in partnership with the cities of Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, and Edina as part of the Southwest LRT Community Works Project. TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................... 3 PURPOSE ........................................................................................................................................... 3 BUDGET AND TIMELINE .................................................................................................................... 4 PROJECT BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................... 4 EXPERTISE......................................................................................................................................... 5 SCOPE OF SERVICES ................................................................................................................. 6 TASK 1: STATION AREA PARK/RIDE AND PLATFORM ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS.............................. 6 TASK 2: ACCESS/CIRCULATION PLANS ............................................................................................. 6 TASK 3: INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN......................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • November 15, 2017 the Honorable Paul
    This document is made available electronically by the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library as part of an ongoing digital archiving project. http://www.leg.state.mn.us/lrl/lrl.asp November 15, 2017 The Honorable Paul Torkelson, Chair The Honorable Scott Newman, Chair House Transportation Finance Committee Senate Transportation Finance & Policy Committee 381 State Office Building 3105 Minnesota Senate Building Saint Paul, MN 55155 Saint Paul, MN 55155 The Honorable Linda Runbeck, Chair The Honorable Scott Dibble House Transportation & Regional Governance Policy Ranking Minority Member Committee Senate Transportation Finance & Policy Committee 417 State Office Building 2213 Minnesota Senate Building Saint Paul, MN 55155 Saint Paul, MN 55155 The Honorable Frank Hornstein, DFL Lead The Honorable Connie Bernardy, DFL Lead House Transportation Policy & Finance Committee House Transportation & Regional Governance Policy 243 State Office Building Committee Saint Paul, MN 55155 253 State Office Building Saint Paul, MN 55155 RE: 2017 Guideway Status report Dear Legislators: The Minnesota Department of Transportation, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Council, is pleased to provide the 2017 Guideway Status report as required under 2016 Minnesota Statutes 174.93, subdivision 2. This report updates information for eight guideway corridors currently in operation, construction or design, and thirteen more that are in planning or analysis phase, or that were at the time of the last report in 2015. The capacity analysis looks at regional guideway funding needs and resources related to capital, operations and capital maintenance for the next ten years. If you have specific questions about this report or want additional information, please contact MnDOT’s Brian Isaacson at [email protected] or at 651 234-7783; or, you can contact Met Council’s Cole Hiniker at [email protected] or at 651 602-1748.
    [Show full text]
  • Findings of Fact and Conclusions Southwest Light Rail Transit May 15, 2018
    METRO Green Line LRT Extension (SWLRT) Findings of Fact and Conclusions Southwest Light Rail Transit May 15, 2018 Prepared by the Metropolitan Council This page intentionally blank. Contents 1 Administrative Background and Statement of Issue ..................................................................................................... 1 2 Findings of Fact ............................................................................................................................................................................. 2 2.1 Project Description ............................................................................................................................................................ 2 2.2 Corrections to the Supplemental EA or Changes in the Project since the Supplemental EA was Published .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 2.3 Decision Regarding Need for Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement ...................................... 5 2.3.1 Type, Extent, and Reversibility of Environmental Effects ....................................................................... 5 2.3.2 Cumulative Potential Effects of Related or Anticipated Future Projects ......................................... 11 2.3.3 Extent to Which the Environmental Effects are Subject to Mitigation by Ongoing Public Regulatory Authority ...............................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Southwest Light Rail Transit (Metro Green Line Extension)
    SOUTHWEST LRT (METRO GREEN LINE EXTENSION) SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SOUTHWEST LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (METRO GREEN LINE EXTENSION) SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT Prepared by: United States Deparhnent of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Transit Administration (FfA) and Metropolitan Council, Minnesota (Council) In cooperation with United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Submitted pursuant to: National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 4332 et seq.; Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations, 40 CFR Section 1500 et seq., Implementing NEPA; Federal Transit Laws, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53; Environmental Impact and Related Procedures, 23 CFR Part 771, a joint regulation of the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration implanting NEPA and CEQ regulations; Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, 54 U.S.C. Section 306108; Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966, as amended, 49 U.S.C. Section 303; Section 6(f)(3) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, 16 U.S.C. Section 4601- 4 et seq.; Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 7401 et seq.; Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 4601 et seq.; Executive Order No. 12898 (Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority and Low Income Populations); Executive Order No. 13166 (Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency); Executive Order No. 11988 (Floodplain Management); other applicable federal laws and procedures; and all relevant laws and procedures of the State of Minnesota.
    [Show full text]
  • SWLRT Civil Construction Update
    2021 Construction and Going Forward As announced on Thursday, over the course of the 2020 construction season, the project staff and our contractor, Lunda-McCrossan Joint Venture encountered unforeseen obstacles in the Minneapolis portion of the alignment which will take longer to overcome. These obstacles include the construction of the corridor protection wall along the BNSF fright rail line and a secant wall to complete LRT tunnel construction in a portion of the Kenilworth corridor due to poor soil conditions. These are no small changes and require thoughtful and deliberate engineering, design plans and construction methods. While these types of setbacks are not uncommon on projects of this scale, we are also disappointed by this development. We strongly believe the long-term benefits of this project to the region and state outweigh the short-term challenges we face. While this means we most likely won’t be meeting our opening day projection of 2023, we know that 2021 will be a robust construction year. To see an overview of 2021 construction activities in Minneapolis, view the recording of the January 14 Minneapolis Town Hall. We will be sharing 2021 overviews of construction activities in the corridor cities of Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Hopkins, and St. Louis Park in the coming weeks. Weekly Construction Photo: SouthWest Station in Eden Prairie 1 | Page Looking east towards SouthWest Station construction crews install piles that will support the bus loop/roadway. Due to poor soils conditions, project elements including track, stations, roadway and utilities are supported by piles. Eden Prairie Eden Prairie Construction: Map 1 of 2 2 | Page SouthWest Station to Eden Prairie Town Center Station Construction Overview: At the SouthWest Station we are constructing a new park-and-ride ramp adjacent to the existing ramp and a combined bus and LRT station.
    [Show full text]
  • Memorandum March 3, 2021
    Memorandum March 3, 2021 To Representative Frank Hornstein From Matt Burress, Legislative Analyst Andy Lee, Fiscal Analyst Subject Transitway local funding You had asked for information on transitway finance in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, in the context of questions on a transitway funding provision in Governor Walz’s budget proposal. This memo discusses some of the historical background, provides an overview of requirements in current law, summarizes the Governor’s recommendation, and highlights some implications. I. Historical Context Funding Overview There has been historical variability in the funding structures and sources across the Twin Cities metro area transitway lines (e.g., the Hiawatha/Blue Line light rail transit (LRT), Central Corridor/Green Line LRT, Orange Line bus rapid transit (BRT), Cedar Avenue/Red Line BRT, Gateway/Gold Line dedicated BRT, and Northstar Commuter Rail). Each project either has or is proposed to involve a different mix of federal, state, regional, and local sources. In broad terms, key funding sources have included: . federal grants; . state general obligation (G.O.) bonds; . state General Fund appropriations; . county sales tax revenue, including from each county and from the former Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB); and . property tax revenue from counties and county regional railroad authorities. All transitway projects rely heavily on federal grants, which for most projects have accounted for close to 50% of the capital costs. However, there has been wide variation in non-federal funding across projects. For example, about 40.5% of the capital funding for the Southwest (Green Line extension) LRT project comes from county sales tax sources, whereas the Hiawatha (Blue Line) LRT project predated this county funding stream and relied more heavily on state bonds and other funding partners like the Metropolitan Airports Commission.
    [Show full text]
  • Southwest Light Rail Transit, Minneapolis, Minnesota
    Southwest Light Rail Transit Minneapolis, Minnesota New Starts Engineering (Rating Assigned November 2016) Summary Description Proposed Project: Light Rail Transit 14.5 Miles, 15 Stations Total Capital Cost ($YOE): $1,857.68 Million (includes $55.0 million in finance charges) Section 5309 New Starts Share ($YOE): $928.84 Million (50.0%) Annual Operating Cost (opening year 2021): $29.43 Million 19,000 Daily Linked Trips Current Year Ridership Forecast (2014): 6,286,000 Annual Linked Trips 28,800 Daily Linked Trips Horizon Year Ridership Forecast (2035): 9,546,700 Annual Linked Trips Overall Project Rating: Medium-High Project Justification Rating: Medium Local Financial Commitment Rating: Medium-High Project Description: The Metropolitan Council (MC) is planning a light rail transit (LRT) extension of the METRO Green Line from the existing Target Field LRT station in downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie in suburban Hennepin County. The line would also serve the suburban municipalities of Minnetonka, Hopkins and St. Louis Park. The proposed alignment generally parallels freight rail and roadway rights-of-way, with several grade-separated crossings and a short tunnel segment. The project includes construction of nine park-and-ride facilities with approximately 2,500 total spaces and a new railcar light maintenance facility as well as the purchase of 27 light rail vehicles. Service is planned to operate from 4:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily with trains every 10 minutes during the day on weekdays, every 10 to 30 minutes during the evening on weekdays, and every 10 to 15 minutes on weekends. Project Purpose: Population, employment and congestion are growing rapidly in the project corridor.
    [Show full text]
  • Newsline Continuing to Advance the Southwest Light Hard on This Project Since 2002
    What’s the latest on the Southwest Upcoming Meetings Light Rail planning process? “Hennepin County and our city, Community Meetings: The Hennepin County Regional Railroad neighborhood and business We are meeting with Authority (HCRRA) and its partners are partners have been working community members and newsline continuing to advance the Southwest Light hard on this project since 2002. business groups to provide fall 2008 | vol.1 Rail Transit (LRT) line project. The next step The next several months are information about the is an 18-month environmental study – called Southwest LRT project and a Draft Environmental Impact Statement - to particularly important as we solicit input. better understand impacts of the proposed identify the preferred route LRT line on the surrounding community before and consider environmental Timing: Ongoing, please check What is the proposed moving forward with engineering, design and impacts and mitigation www.southwesttransitway.org Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going Southwest LRT line? construction. measures. Continued community for upcoming meetings To date, the Hennepin County Regional Railroad The proposed Southwest Light Authority (HCRRA) has documented the need for Public input is critical to understanding how engagement is critical if we Rail Transit (LRT) line is a high- high-quality, high-frequency transit to serve the LRT may affect the natural environment and are to successfully transform Scoping Meetings: frequency train serving the rapidly southwest metro area – light rail will help manage growing southwest metro area communities. There will be many opportunities the Southwest Corridor vision The “scoping” process is a growing congestion and also support economic - Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Edina, to review information and provide input as of safe and efficient transit formal opportunity for the development.
    [Show full text]