41 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

Philadelphia, PA Inquirer, 2/4/14:

SEPTA details proposal for rail extension to King of Prussia

SEPTA planners have provided more details about the proposed rail extension to King of Prussia, including comparisons of a ground-level train instead of an elevated track along Route 202.

This story

[Sloan]

Upper Merion commuter rail extension planning continues with three alternate routes
 
 
UPPER MERION >> Upper Merion is famous for massive traffic volume during the holiday shopping season, the King of Prussia Mall and a variety of corporate offices.
 
 
That combination of problematic traffic and the need for alternate transportation solutions into the township has inspired the planners at SEPTA, the regional transportation agency, to propose a $500 million, four to five-mile extension of the Norristown High Speed line to the mall and the King of Prussia business park.

 
 
 
http://www.timeshera...lternate-routes

[KevinKorell]

Philadelphia, PA Inquirer, 3/22/15:

 

King of Prussia rail: Where will it go?

 

As SEPTA moves further down the line in planning a rail extension to King of Prussia, there are a few things we know - and many more that we don't.
 

 

More here

[CNJRoss]

Progressive Railroading, 12/7:

Report highlights benefits of extending SEPTA's Norristown line

 

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's (SEPTA) proposed extension of the Norristown High-Speed Line to King of Prussia, Pa., is expected to add $540 million to $946 million to the city's real estate value over 20 years, according to a new report.

Released by the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia and Econsult Solutions Inc., the "Connecting KOP" study quantifies benefits associated with SEPTA's project, including job growth, shorter commute times, reduced congestion and increased development, league officials said in a press release.

The extension would cut transit time to King of Prussia from Philadelphia's Center City district by more than 30 minutes, the study found.

 

Continue here.

[Sloan]

 

One group says 'No!' to King of Prussia rail proposal

Next month the region will see the five proposals for the King of Prussia rail spur whittled down to one. At a series of public meetings, SEPTA will present the recommended locally preferred alternative for the 5-mile extension of the Norristown High Speed Line. The dates of the meetings haven’t been set yet, but one group is already preparing to show up fighting.

 

http://mobile.philly...te&id=368253331

[Sloan]

 

 

SEPTA to Hold Public Meetings on King of Prussia Rail Project
 

Map, text, and video here:

http://www.nbcphilad...-370371141.html

[KevinKorell]

Progressive Railroading, 3/2/16:

 

SEPTA slates meetings on Norristown line extension

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has scheduled three public meetings to review plans for a project to extend the Norristown High Speed Line into King of Prussia and Upper Merion Township, Pa.

 

More

[CNJRoss]

SEPTA news release:

 

FTA Releases Draft Environmental Impact Statement For SEPTA's KOP Rail Project

 

Statement on Extension of SEPTA's Norristown High Speed Line Available Online

 

October 13, 2017

 

PHILADELPHIA (October 13, 2017) - The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Draft Environmental Impact Statement review (Draft EIS) for SEPTA's King of Prussia Rail Project (KOP Rail) is now available online. The Draft EIS can be accessed at www.kingofprussiarail.com.

 

KOP Rail is SEPTA's proposed extension of the existing Norristown High Speed Line (NHSL) into King of Prussia, providing a "one-seat" ride to King of Prussia from either the 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby, or the Norristown Transportation Center.

 

The Draft EIS identifies alternatives and analyzes the effects the proposed project would have on the natural, cultural and socioeconomic environments. This federal process requires that SEPTA evaluate a range of options or alternatives that would address the project needs and goals, and determining which, if any, of the alternatives best balances potential impacts on the area environment and community with its anticipated benefits.

 

"SEPTA is pleased to have reached this critical milestone in the process and appreciates the FTA's guidance," said SEPTA General Manager Jeffrey D. Knueppel. "We are committed to continuing to be good partners in the community as we work to enhance transportation options that make the entire region more livable and competitive."

 

The proposed NHSL extension will provide a more frequent, more reliable transit option between Center City and Norristown, including to the King of Prussia Mall and adjacent employment centers. Improved transit service will increase regional mobility, provide an alternative to auto travel in the area to help reduce congestion, and support development of multimodal transportation options.

 

In an effort to minimize impacts to the community, SEPTA is exploring two design options within the recommended Locally Preferred Alternative. Through a series of community meetings and backyard visits to provide project information and better understand community concerns, SEPTA modified its proposed plans. As a result, additional design options are being explored, including a PA Turnpike North/Southside Option crossing over U.S. 202. This design option provides separation between KOP Rail structures and neighborhoods to the north and south.

 

The Draft EIS, which can be found on the King of Prussia Rail website
(www.kingofprussiarail.com/), presents the findings of the analysis to the public and stakeholders for their review. The public will have the opportunity to comment on the document online and at public hearings and information sessions before a decision is made.

 

Hearings will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel in King of Prussia (301 W Dekalb Pike) on Monday, November 13, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., and at the Norristown Municipal Building on Wednesday, November 15 at 6 p.m. A series of public information sessions will also be held in Upper Darby, King of Prussia and Philadelphia. The schedule for the information sessions will be posted on the KOP Rail website. Online comments can be submitted at www.kingofprussiarail.com/comment.html.

 

SEPTA will review all comments submitted on the Draft EIS at the close of the comment period. SEPTA anticipates work will on the Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS) will begin once all comments are reviewed.

 

The Final EIS will include further refinement of the preferred alternative; responses to comments; commitments to mitigate any adverse impacts of the project; evidence of compliance with relevant environmental statutes, executive orders and regulations; and a description of the changes that have been made to the project since the DRAFT EIS was published. The Final EIS is expected to be issued in 2019.

 

Information and updates on KOP Rail is available online at www.kingofprussiarail.com and on Twitter at @KOPRail. For more information about SEPTA, visit www.septa.org.

 

 

[Sloan]

 

 

Businesses bullish for KoP rail as neighbors push for route change

 

A route shifted 30 yards or so may soothe opposition to plans for a light-rail line to King of Prussia.

Computer animation of one proposed route along with text is here:

 

http://www.philly.co...n-20171113.html

 

I like the elevated structure right-of-way which will not take much land.  The Mall Boulevard station serves a parking lot which suggests a park and ride function.  End-of-line ends in "no-man's land" at the Valley Forge Casino where there is no covered walkway to the facility.  I had hoped SEPTA planners would either build or induce developers to build closed connections to high-traffic buildings at the mall and casino so gamblers, employees, and shoppers would have a weather-protected access.  The Court Street station, however, does have direct access to the mall.  Otherwise, forcing people to "hoof it" in sleet or downpour does not make transit auto-competitive.    Sloan

[Sloan]

 

 

King of Prussia rail line will be 5 miles. So why is SEPTA on a 10-year plan?

Dan Cowhey and his neighbors in the Valley Forge Homes development had heard SEPTA’s preferred route for a rail extension into King of Prussia would run practically through their backyards.  They joined the local resistance movement. The group Cowhey formed, No KOP Rail, which argues the new rail would benefit businesses and out-of-town commuters more than residents, not only persuaded SEPTA to consider different paths away from homes but also helped delay the whole project.

http://www.philly.co...n-20171204.html