In 2019, a vast array of new transit projects will begin construction in North America, with a price tag of more than $91 billion. In all, 89 projects will get underway, including light and heavy rail, bus rapid transit, commuter rail, and streetcar projects. 830 new miles of fixed-guideway routes will be started, the majority of which are being funded via local governments.
Here’s a sample of the projects current TRA client agencies and state safety oversight agencies are starting in 2019:
Sound Transit – Light rail line to Lynnwood
A $1.2 million grant from the FTA has given the green light to Sound Transit’s planned light rail extension to Lynnwood. The line would extend light rail service from Northgate to Lynnwood in the Seattle suburbs, with construction beginning in 2019 and revenue service starting up in 2024. TRA performs safety and security certification audits for Sound Transit (partnering with Talson Solutions).
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) – Approval for east-west commuter line
In late 2018, the DART board approved $872 million for the construction of a commuter rail line running east-to-west through the metro region. The 26-mile route would connect several Dallas suburbs as well as DFW Airport, with construction beginning this year and revenue service starting in 2022. TRA supports TxDOT in performing state safety oversight services for DART.
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) – Construction beginning on San Jose extension
This month, construction will begin on BART’s planned extension to San Jose, which is planned to be completed in 2026. Ahead of that, Google has planned to build a new campus adjacent to BART’s Diridon Station, although construction in downtown San Jose is not expected to begin until 2022. TRA currently performs safety and organizational management consulting services for BART.
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) – Norristown High-Speed Line extension to King of Prussia
After several years of planning and working with local community groups to determine a route through the Philadelphia suburbs, SEPTA has awarded a design contract for its 4.4-mile extension of the Norristown High-Speed Line. Construction is slated to begin in 2020, with revenue service beginning in 2023. TRA is the prime contractor for PennDOT’s state safety oversight of SEPTA.
For more information, check out this article on The Transport Politic: https://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2019/01/08/openings-and-construction-starts-planned-for-2019/