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Transportation (still alive after 2000 session) By Linda Jungwirth An increasing population and the resulting congestion on the Metropolitan highway system is forcing attention on alternatives for managing future transportation needs. These alternative forms of transportation include: enhancing bus service, dedicated transit ways, bike/pedestrian trails, light rail transit (LRT), and commuter rail. Here's a short update on proposed transit corridors and modes. The Riverview Corridor extends from St. Paul's lower East Side, through downtown, the West Seventh Street/Shephard Road area to the airport and Mall of America. A major investment study of this corridor is nearing completion. The purpose of this study is to identify transportation issues and options for potential solutions. The Legislature and Governor have dedicated dollars for this transit way to be Ramsey County's number one priority in 2000-2001. The Northeast Diagonal Transit way roughly follows an abandoned Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail corridor from Minneapolis to Roseville and on to White Bear Lake, and has been identified by the Metropolitan Council as a potential future transit way. Local governments along the corridor have joined together to acquire this segment for future transportation use. The Rush Line Corridor runs from downtown St. Paul to Rush City (roughly following I-35E/Hwy 61 north). A corridor transit study has been initiated to address short-term transit improvements, long term needs, transit alternatives, and development of an integrated multi-modal transit system. This plan includes public involvement and market analysis and will be completed in early 2001. Pine County has recently joined the Task Force with hopes of extending a proposed commuter rail line further north. The U.S. Congressional delegation has been assisting this effort. The Red Rock Corridor currently has a study underway to determine the feasibility of a commuter rail line from Hastings to downtown St. Paul (along trunk Hwy 61) with connections to Minneapolis and the Northstar commuter rail line to St. Cloud. Other transit improvement options (including the reconstruction of the I-494/Wakota Bridge) are also being addressed to lessen congestion and increase safety. The Central Corridor connects downtown St. Paul, the University of Minnesota, and downtown Minneapolis. An eighteen-month study has begun to examine the locations/modes of transit that best meet the needs of the area between I-94 and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe mainline. This will be determined in part by input from citizens, businesses, and community groups. Metro Transit has a plan to restructure present routes/service in the Northeast Metro. Due to tremendous public comment, modifications to the original plan have been incorporated and will be further adjusted by the Met Council in early September. A phased implementation is recommended with the majority of routes being implemented in March 2001-the exception being September 2000 for a proposed direct route between Rosedale and downtown St. Paul. |
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