Title
Briefing on HRT Peninsula Corridor Study: by Hampton Roads Transit and City Staff
Purpose
Background Statement:
The Peninsula Corridor Study is a long range transportation planning effort currently underway on the Lower Peninsula. The project study is a collaboration between the City of Hampton, the City of Newport News, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), and two private consulting firms that began in March of 2016, and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2017. The context of this project focuses on studying the future needs for high capacity transit to serve the Lower Peninsula. Commonly referred to as “Fixed Guideway Transit,” this kind of transit can take the form of either Bus Rapid Transit, Light Rail, or Streetcar.
In the spring of 2016, the project team created a map of 15 potential fixed guideway transit corridors in Hampton and Newport News, known as “Tier 1.” They were created based on input from consulting firms, staff from participating localities, and the general public. After extensive evaluation, discussion, and additional public involvement, the number of proposed transit corridors was reduced to six, referred to as “Tier 2.”
At this time, the project team is conducting a more in-depth analysis of the remaining “Tier 2” corridors. They are examining each route to ensure that it does not have any fatal technical flaws (ex: road cannot accommodate dedicated lanes), and to make adjustments to ensure that quick and efficient transit service is provided. Preliminary locations for transit stations have also been identified which will be further analyzed by the consulting firms.
The purpose of this briefing is give Council an opportunity to be kept informed on the progress of this long range planning effort, and to have answers to any questions they may have. No action is required of Council for this item.