Hamilton’s LRT design set to be revealed
http://www.hamiltonnews.com/news-story/6511983-hamilton-s-lrt-design-set-to-be-revealed/
Hamilton’s proposed light-rail transit design includes segregating the rail line from McMaster University to Queenston to allow for trains running on two tracks, while the A-line spur would be a shared traffic system.
LRT design information received by Hamilton Community News, shows the B-line operating from McMaster University to Queenston Circle, with the A-line shown to be linked up along James Street to the West Harbour Go Station, and all the way to the waterfront. But the A-line construction portion still remains contingent on the province having enough funding from the $1 billion budget that was announced last spring by the provincial government.
The LRT system is proposed to be separated on the B-line from other traffic with a curbed barrier. The idea is to “ensure a rapid, reliable and safe LRT system.”
Along the B-line corridor trains will operate on two tracks, one running in each direction in the centre of the road. The design, overseen by consultants Steer Davies Gleave, proposes to convert King Street to two-way traffic from Dundurn and Delta
The design includes limiting left-turn lanes and U-turns, a proposal that has been a controversial aspect of the B-line design since it was initially presented to business people along the corridor a few years ago. Business owners have stated during those public meetings limiting left-hand turn lanes will impact their bottom lines.
Paul Johnson, director of LRT project coordination, said the city is looking at a west location for the maintenance and storage facility rather than in the east end.
“We need to find that land,” said Johnson to the subcommittee.
The proposed A-line, though, would not be segregated from traffic. The idea is to have the LRT line in a “shared system” similar to a street car, with vehicles driving over tracks, and sharing lanes with the LRT.
Johnston said at the March 29 Light-rail transit subcommittee meeting, that the LRT design “may change along the way” through public feedback and technical issues. He said the LRT design won’t be completed until after the summer when all the studies are completed.
He said staff is examining whether or not to convert Main Street to two-way traffic in deference to the project.
Constructing the LRT is scheduled to begin in 2019, and finished in 2024.
The city has been under some criticism for not being “open and transparent” with the LRT design. But Mayor Fred Eisenberger said during the subcommittee meeting that sometimes “information that isn’t ready for prime time” shouldn’t be presented yet.
It is expected that further information about the LRT design will be revealed April 26, and the LRT staff will be making a full presentation on the project at the May 2 LRT subcommittee.
“We will provide as much as we are able to share,” said Johnson.
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