The distance between DIA and the train station is ‘walkable’ – official report says
The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) comment period ended on October 7, 2009.
During the comment period airport train station issue was raised several times.
“The existing Regional Transport District (RTD) Skyride bus service drops people off at the main airport terminal. The DIA train station with the preferred alternative would be about one-fifth of a mile from the main airport terminal. Are people ready to hike?” shared his doubts one of the citizens.
The official response to this comment was: “the East Corridor EIS identified and evaluated the station platform at DIA through the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 process. There is a concurrent process which includes the proposed DIA terminal expansion associated with the rail station which is not shown in Appendix A because it is not part of the East Corridor Preferred Alternative. The walk from the end of the East Corridor platform to the proposed DIA terminal entrance will be walkable and pedestrian friendly”.
 |
Another commentator was concerned about comfort of travellers waiting at the airport station: “Weather protection is an important consideration. This is a unique transfer facility in the regional system and will accommodate airport travelers with luggage and children. The station setting is in the midst of an open area and exposed to strong winds. Therefore, this station merits additional station elements to protect the transit customer.” |
“RTD's current design criteria allow for 300 square feet of canopy coverage per 100-foot length of platform. These criteria take into consideration Colorado's climate, which typically has over 300 days of sunshine annually. Additional canopy or windscreen coverage beyond that of the criteria could be considered if paid for someone other than RTD. There is flexibility in the placement of canopies during final design,” said the official response.
“Heating elements will not be considered on the platforms because of maintenance, safety, security, and lack of necessity because the high frequency of service (15-minute headways) will limit wait times on the platform. Although 15 minutes is a possible wait time, most riders will time their arrival appropriately and passengers transferring from the I-225 light rail line at Peoria should have a 7.5 minute wait at most.”
What’s Next?
The issuance of the ROD from FTA means that the East Corridor commuter rail project can continue to make steps towards FTA approval to move into final design and construction. RTD will contract with a team of private partners to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Gold Line, the East Corridor, the electrified segment of the Northwest Rail Corridor, and the commuter rail maintenance facility as a public-private partnership called the Eagle P3 Project.
RTD released a request for proposals (RFP) for the Eagle P3 Project in September and is scheduled to select a private team in June 2010.
With this recent action from the FTA, the $ 1.3 billion East Corridor commuter rail project is still on schedule to begin construction as early as next year.
Watch the video of East Corridor here >>>
To download the Record of Decision or other related documents, please click here >>>
Related Articles:
Sign in with a social network:
