Oh Boy; a chance to talk transit and trains
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cirrus
This new plan is a reaction to that lesson, and is more along the lines of what TakeFive would describe as "textbook."
Not to say Austin and Denver are the same, although obviously I'm subtweeting previous exchanges. Austin's existing line is like an exaggerated/much worse version of the issues we've discussed about FasTracks.
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I've re-acquainted myself with the latest, greatest Project Connect update so try to keep up.
Actually, since I'm unfamiliar with the 'lay of the land' perhaps
jbssfelix can add valuable descriptions.
With the 3rd light rail line added there's now three lines covering 36 miles. If a guestimate that $7 billion (of the $10 billion) is for light rail that's a cool $195 million per mile - which isn't terrible considering Seattle is spending closer to $300 million per mile. For reference RTD built ~96 miles for less than $70 million per mile.
To be fair, Project Connect includes a 1.6 mile subway in downtown which is smart. Not unlike Seattle I suspect this a key piece.
Speaking of Seattle, Austin, like Seattle is a whole level higher than Denver. While Denver is building/planning 30-story towers Austin is building 40 to 60-story towers. FWIW, I'm less enamored by height than others; just sayin' that Austin will have awesome Big Boys and added density.
Here's the latest map. Here's the Project Connect website.
Typical of most cities the first LRT line, the Orange Line copies the busiest bus route; in that respect it's good textbook stuff. At 21 miles it may be similar to RTD's SE Corridor but (mostly) along streets so more like Phoenix which also connects two hot spots in downtown Phoenix and Tempe/ASU.
The Blue Line is more 'airport textbook' except it appears to have more of an urban component to go with the suburban component. With 22 stations over 15 miles, be sure to pack a lunch if you're going to the airport. By comparison RTD's A Line has (only) 8 stations over 22.5 miles.
The conversion of the Gold Line from BRT to light rail was presumably very smart and does appear to be highly street-based, good textbook stuff including both urban/suburban (developing) areas. It will have 15 stations over 9.5 miles.
What could go wrong?
Chances are high given the nature of the plan that they will need all of a 25% contingency which at a revised cost of $243 million per mile even sounds more realistic. But for high-brow Austin it's only money.
The other Big Problem is final determinations on how much grade separation they'll build in as apposed to stopping at the same street lights as cars. The added infrastructure costs are (obviously) a bit mind bending.
P.S. - btw, it's nice to know you're still out there....