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HRT/Light rail to Naval Station Norfolk studied


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#1 CNJRoss

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Posted 11 April 2013 - 09:51 AM

AP via WTOP radio, 4/11:

Light rail to Naval Station Norfolk studied



NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- An engineering firm is studying a proposed expansion of a light rail system to Naval Station Norfolk.

The study will determine whether extending The Tide to the base is a better solution than expanding bus service. It will identify potential routes.

Continue.

#2 Sloan

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Posted 12 April 2013 - 08:18 AM

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) in Virginia has issued a notice to proceed to HDR Engineering, Inc., to begin the Naval Station Norfolk Transit Extension Study for possible high-capacity transit alignments between The Tide light rail and the Norfolk Naval Station.


This raises questions as to whether the navy will allow light rail to enter the base and if so where would be the terminus. Because of security, the navy may feel that commuters must enter the base on foot through main gate security checkpoint and then bus shuttle to their on-base jobs. That's not an attractive proposition. Hopefully, some kind of arrangement can come about so light rail commuters can have a one-seat ride onto base proper.

Sloan

http://www.rtands.co...nt=Full Article

#3 EvergreenRailfan

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Posted 12 April 2013 - 11:56 AM

I don't know. Some of our bus services out here that served military bases, had to be re-routed after 9/11, I think SAY Route 61,was eventually allowed back on Fairchild AFB, but not sure.

#4 KevinKorell

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Posted 12 April 2013 - 12:31 PM

NJT has a bus route that for years cut across Fort Dix. Since 9/11/01 passengers had to have picture ID with them and were subject to questioning when the bus entered and left the army base. Last week they rerouted it around the base. So there's the option of having the TIDE LRT stop at the naval base gate and check everyone's ID and confirm their intentions for entering the base. That would probably weed out anyone not associated without business on the base from attempting to travel for leisure purposes. Now if someday they decide to dig a tunnel under Hampton Roads and extend the light rail to Newport News, then everyone will have to be allowed to travel through the US Government property, but again they could be searched or questioned at least once.


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#5 EvergreenRailfan

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Posted 12 April 2013 - 12:49 PM

Sounds like what Kitsap Transit bus that used to go through the Puget Sound Nay Yard. They got a fleet of KT buses that serve the base still, but those are the Worker Driver routes, everybody using them, including the driver work at the base. They are mot vanpools, but full-sized buses.

#6 Sloan

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Posted 07 June 2013 - 08:42 AM

NORFOLK -- Hampton Roads Transit has scheduled three workshops this month to get your help to define its upcoming study on possible high capacity transit system to Naval Station Norfolk.


http://www.wvec.com/...-210101371.html

#7 KevinKorell

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Posted 07 June 2013 - 12:12 PM

The process will define potential routes and transit modes in Norfolk that will link The Tide light rail system with the Navy base.

That statement holds the key to what will eventually happen. Note that this leaves the door open to the "do nothing" option, which would be bus service to and from the naval base, connecting with existing TIDE light rail. Potential ridership might dictate a light rail extension onto the base, but security concerns may thwart it. How long the security checks in getting on and off the base take could be a factor in whether TIDE can keep a schedule on the remainder of the route.


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#8 KevinKorell

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Posted 09 October 2013 - 08:08 PM

Hampton Roads Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, VA, 10/9/13:

Shutdown delays Norfolk Naval Station light rail study


A $1.8 million study of a light-rail extension to Norfolk Naval Station has been delayed because of the government shutdown.


Story here.


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#9 Sloan

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Posted 18 February 2014 - 10:36 AM

Senate's proposed budget includes $10 million for Norfolk light rail plan

The Senate also included $10 million to plan for a light-rail line to Naval Station Norfolk, as well as potential light rail service to the western side of Hampton Roads. The House didn't call for the light-rail funding.


http://www.dailypres...0,7050331.story

#10 KevinKorell

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Posted 18 February 2014 - 12:12 PM

Key here in the above quote is that both chambers didn't approve light rail. And while light rail extensions east to Virginia Beach and west of the naval station seem attainable in our lifetimes, I have to be doubtful of anything that will cross Hampton Roads. While light rail to Newport News would surely be nice, and better unite the Tidewater cities, just how is it going to get across the water? It would be impossible that any lanes could be sacrificed on the Monitor-Merrimac or Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnels. And that means building an entirely new crossing, which would probably be in the form of a bridge or a tunnel (but I don't think a combined bridge-tunnel for a rail line would be prudent). I'm happy the idea is at least being brought up, but I don't think any such water crossing for light rail is going to happen in the near term. They have to get the line further west anyhow to the naval base before it can go about crossing Hampton Roads.


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