I-10 West AA/EIS Pre-Screening and Tier 1 Analysis Results Public Meeting Wulf Grote, Director Project Development Rick Pilgrim, Project Manager March 4 & 5, 2008
Today s Agenda Overview of Alternatives Analysis Process Review of Corridor Characteristics Transit Technology Options Alternative Pre-Screening Tier 1 Analysis Results
Valley Metro Rail, Inc. (METRO) Formed in October 2002 Purpose Plan, design, construct and operate the METRO light rail system, including future extensions Members
High Capacity/LRT System I-10 West I-10 Corridor West
High Capacity/Light Rail Transit Funding Sources 57-mile system funding: Tempe Sales Tax - 1996 (Prop 400) Phoenix Sales Tax - 2000 (Prop 2000) Mesa General Fund Glendale Sales Tax 2001 (Prop 402) Regional Sales Tax 2004 (Prop 400) Regional Public Transportation Fund (PTF) Federal Transit Administration New Starts CMAQ
FTA Alternatives Analysis First Step in the Federal Planning Process Purpose: Define the route(s) for the study area Define the appropriate transit technology(s) for the study area
Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis We are here
I-10 West Study Area
I-10 Corridor Characteristics Travel Demand (people per day) 2007: 250,000 2030: 550,000
I-10 Corridor Characteristics Added highway lanes are funded 2012 completion Travel time will increase by 35% Frequent crashes add delay High Capacity Transit Capabilities: Faster travel time than auto Predictable travel time
I-10 West Shared Solution
Preliminary Purpose and Need Statement Added rush hour travel capacity as part of a balanced transportation system. Increased transit system connectivity. Improved access to corridor destinations. Cost effective use of public funds. Reinforce downtown economic development opportunities.
Possible Modes: Light Rail Bus Rapid Transit Transit Technology Options Local Bus (Baseline Alternative)
Modal Alternative: Light Rail Transit Electrified overhead wire Dedicated right-of-way 3 Car Train = 525 Passengers (LRT) Features Completed section of Washington St. - Phoenix
Modal Alternative: Bus Rapid Transit Exclusive lanes or roadway (50% minimum during peak periods) 1 Bus = 60-80 Passengers AND / OR Traffic signal priority Special design (low floor) Substantial stations Special branding/identity Frequent service 10-minute peak, 15-minute off-peak (BRT) Features
I-10 West Alignment I-10 10 is the only alternative west of 27 th Avenue because it addresses the mobility needs in the corridor. Alignment includes Bus and Rail Technology Options.
Mass Transit Median in I-10 50 median for future mass transit preserved as part of I-10 completion (91 st Ave to Buckeye Rd) Identified in Environmental Impact Statement 1978 Transit technology to be defined in the future 2006 METRO study confirmed median transit location
T-REX Project in Denver, CO Joint highway/transit project $1.7 billion, 19 miles Completion: Freeway - November 2005 LRT - November 2006 Funded by Federal Transit and Highway Administrations Saved $200 million to $300 million as a joint project Completed 1-1/2 years early
Universe of Downtown Alignments
I-10 West Project Goals Does the Alternative Meet the Basic Project Goals? Rush Hour travel capacity Transit system connectivity Access to corridor destinations and employment Cost-effectiveness Reinforce downtown/state Capitol economic development opportunities Technical feasibility
Alternatives Eliminated after Pre-Screening Mobility and Access: McDowell Road (East of 19 th Avenue) All East/West Alignments west of 27 th Avenue Except I-10 Basic Technical Feasibility: 3 rd Avenue 5 th Avenue 7 th Avenue
Alignment Alternatives Screened in Tier 1
Tier I Evaluation Criteria Screening Criteria EVALUATION CRITERIA Fulfillment of primary project goals. Consistency with existing plans and studies Irresolvable environmental impacts. Technical feasibility RESOURCES Project goals and draft Purpose and Need Statement. MAG RTP, City of Phoenix General Plan, other related plans and studies. Review of project corridor, cultural resource information, socioeconomic data. Observation of the corridor; background on technology options.
Downtown Employment Concentrations
Alternatives Considered for Elimination after Tier 1 Analysis Mobility and Access: Grand Avenue Basic Technical Feasibility: 27 th Avenue I-10 (Grand Avenue to Central Avenue) for LRT
Tier 2 Mainline Alternative
Downtown Alternatives To Be Screened in Tier 2
Tier 2 Downtown Route Options
Station Planning
I-10 West Alignment AA Study Preliminary Recommendation I-10 10 is the only alternative west of I-17 because it addresses the mobility needs in the corridor.
I-10 West Corridor AA/EIS Public Meetings - Tier 1 Alternatives Objective of March 2008 Public Meetings: Review results of Tier 1 process. Obtain public input on alternatives for Tier 2 consideration.
I-10 West Corridor AA/EIS Public Meetings - Tier 1 Alternatives March 4, 2008 5:30 p.m. Carpenter's Union Training Center 4547 W. McDowell Rd. #2 March 5, 2008 4:30 p.m. Phoenix City Hall
I-10 West Corridor AA/EIS Contact Information Monica Hernandez Office: 602-322-4427 Email: mhernandez@metrolightrail.org 101 N. 1 st Avenue, Suite 1300 Phoenix, AZ 85003