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.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
End Human Sacrifices to the Demanding Gods of Automobile Dependency and Sprawl
The U.S. has much higher traffic fatality rates than peer countries due to automobile dependency and sprawl. Better planning can reduce these human sacrifices.
Seattle Transit Asked to Clarify Pet Policy
A major dog park near a new light rail stop is prompting calls to update and clarify rules for bringing pets on Seattle-area transit systems.
Oregon Bill Would End Bans on Manufactured Housing
The bill would prevent new developments from prohibiting mobile homes and modular housing.
Nashville Doesn’t Renew Bike Share Contract, Citing Lost Federal Funding
The city’s bike share system, operated by BCycle, could stop operating if the city doesn’t find a new source of funding.
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