Putting the System in PlaceThe Original 1996 Sound Move Plan (continued)
Electric Light Rail
The region has discussed and reviewed the benefits and costs of various electric light-rail alignments throughout system planning. Based on extensive public and jurisdictional discussion and review, the starter system presented to the voters is the RTA's preferred alternative. However, since this is a major regional investment and provides the region with significant new transportation capacity, there needs to be continued deliberate and careful consideration of the alignments, markets served and station locations.
The Northgate to SeaTac (South 200th Street) electric light-rail line will be built in three segments that will be developed in several stages. The preferred alignment for the first segment is from downtown through the Rainier Valley to SeaTac (South 200 Street). Between Boeing Access Road and SeaTac, the RTA will evaluate an alignment using State-Route 99 and an alternative route using Interurban Avenue to Southcenter.
The preferred alignment for the second segment is from downtown Seattle through First Hill and Capitol Hill to the University District. The preferred alignment for the third segment is through the Roosevelt District to Northgate.
The first implementation stage will include environmental review, preliminary design and preferred alternative refinement for each of the three segments. This stage will also include an extensive community process to refine the preferred alternatives for each segment and define potential alternative alignments.
|
"...minimize capital and operating cost per passenger trip and create the greatest economic net benefit."
|
Before supporting construction of the preferred alternative, alternative alignments will be evaluated to determine which maximize ridership, minimize capital and operating cost per passenger trip and create the greatest economic net benefit. In particular, special attention must be paid to which alignment generates the most new ridership as opposed to riders simply shifting from one type of transit to another.
Once preliminary engineering and environmental review is completed the RTA will begin the next stage - final design and right-of-way acquisition followed by construction. The RTA intends to begin building the south segment first while final engineering is completed on the two north segments. When final engineering is complete, the RTA will conduct a major review of project funding status to make sure the authority's equity principle can be met before construction contracts are awarded. If the cost is lower than etimated and/or additional funds have been appropriated, the RTA will build the light-rail segment between the University District and Northgate.
When electric light-rail service begins operating in the downtown Seattle transit tunnel, the number of people using the tunnel will triple. This may require some buses to be shifted to surface streets. The RTA will work with Seattle and King County to address bus operational issues that may arise as a result of this shift.
As with any major construction project the community will be involved in the project from beginning to end. Opportunities for public and technical review will be included in each stage of the implementation plan.
|
