A proposed 1.4 mile safety barrier may require additional review, and could further delay the project
The extension of the Southwest Light Rail Transit project could face an additional setback as a review is conducted of a 1.4 mile long safety barrier. The barrier would separate light rail from existing active freight rail tracks along a portion of the proposed line near downtown Minneapolis.
The Twin Cities' regional planning authority, the Metropolitan Council, originally believed further environmental review was not necessary for the barrier. However, consulting with the FTA revealed a Supplemental Environmental Assessment is required. Because the rail corridor itself is a historic resource, the barrier wall will likely trigger Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, which could delay the project by as much as three months.
FULL STORY: Environmental Assessment of New Wall Means Another Delay for Southwest LRT
Minneapolis LRT Facing Delays, Cost Increases
Construction on the Kenilworth Tunnel has been plagued by problems and threatens the foundation of a nearby condo complex.
Contractors in Limbo While Southwest LRT Waits for Federal Funding Promise
More evidence that the Federal Transit Administration under the Trump Administration isn't interested in capital investments.
Cancellation an Option as Costs Jump for Minneapolis' Light Rail Extension
An already controversial project got bad news earlier this week, as substantial increases in the expected cost of the Southwest LRT extension added more fuel to the fire for opponents of the project.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
DOJ Says Trump Has Power to Roll Back National Monuments
The opinion sheds light on how the administration may justify its effort to eliminate protected public lands.
Maryland Awards $1.25M in TOD-Related Grants
The state’s DOT is funding projects that prepare sites around transit stations for future mixed-use development and housing.
Judge Rules in Favor of Massachusetts TOD Law
The court rejected an argument that the MBTA Communities law, which requires zoning for multifamily housing, is an “unfunded mandate.”
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)