In an effort to avoid the extra costs associated with electrifying trains and building overhead wiring systems, transportation planners are backing a plan to develop a 41-mil commuter rail line in Denver with diesel-powered trains.
"RTD's FasTracks planning team is recommending that diesel-powered rail cars instead of electric ones be used on the 41-mile Northwest line from Union Station to Boulder and Longmont, officials told Denver City Council members on Monday."
"Using diesel trains will allow the Regional Transportation District to avoid the extra $177 million it would cost to install overhead electric wires along the route, Northwest rail project manager Chris Quinn told council members."
"Rising costs of construction and land already have boosted the price tag of the Northwest rail line to $685 million from an estimate of $565 million in 2004. Both those estimates assumed the use of diesel technology."
"Some residents and government officials in the rail corridor, however, voiced concern about the air pollution, noise and vibration effects of diesel trains, forcing RTD planners to analyze the electric alternative."
"A preliminary analysis shows that there will be 'no significant difference' in carbon monoxide levels at key stations in the corridor whether diesel or electric trains are used, Quinn said."
FULL STORY: Diesel urged on Northwest rail
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.
Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont