Minutes 04/08/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 8. 2008 08 - 191 - Adoption of a resolution requesting that the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Planning Organization include a Mass Transit Corridor for future light rail in the scope of work for the proposed Midtown Tunnel Project. Vision Principle: Thriving Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community; Bold New Directions; and a Robust and Prospering Economy. Background: . The Virginia Department of Transportation proposes expanding the existing two- lane Midtown Tunnel to a four lane facility. This project represents a major capital investment into the region's transportation network. As a tunneled river crossing, the project represents a rare opportunity to include forward thinking about the movement of people and goods across the Elizabeth River. Discussion: . Currently there is no mandatory provision for a mass transportation lane within the proposed Midtown Tunnel project. . The absence of the provision not only denies the ability to provide either a reversible HOV lane or a signal controlled exclusive bus lane in the opening configuration, but denies the ability to convert the lane to light rail in the future. . When scoping of the tunnel project was completed, the Norfolk starter line was not approved and did not appear to be feasible. Since that time, the line has received a full funding grant from the Federal Government and is under construction as the starter line of a regional light rail system. . The Midtown Tunnel crossing point represents the best crossing point of the Elizabeth River for two reasons: . It is the narrowest point of the river between Portsmouth and Norfolk that has sufficient approach distance to provide for a multi-purpose mass transportation corridor. . It lies within 1200 feet of the western terminus of the Norfolk starter line and along a route that will be used for the extension of the starter line to the Norfolk Naval Base. . This project is most likely the only opportunity to provide a mass transportation corridor across the Elizabeth River in the Portsmouth/Norfolk area in the next 35+ years. A separate, stand alone dedicated light rail crossing of the Elizabeth River has been shown to be cost prohibitive. . The absence of a multi modal corridor in the Midtown Tunnel would deny localities located west of the Elizabeth River the ability to connect to the Regional Light Rail system. Financial Impact: . At this point, a financial impact has not been determined. VDOT is relying on the Public-Private Transportation Act process for development of design and funding. Staff Recommends: Adoption of resolution. Vision Principles: Thriving Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community, Bold New Directions, A Robust and Prospering Economy. Next Steps Following Council Action: . Forward the resolution to the MPO; Portsmouth's State Legislators; Governor Tim Kaine; Pierce Homer, Secretary of Transportation; David S. Ekern, P.E., Commissioner of the Department of Transportation; Matthew O. Tucker, Director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation; and James S. Simpson, Administrator of the Federal Transit Agency. . Encourage other west side cities (Chesapeake, Suffolk, Isle of Wight) to draft similar resolutions. . Present the proposal of including a Mass Transportation Corridor in the Midtown Tunnel to the MPO for adoption. Motion by Ms. Psi mas, and seconded by Mr. Heretick, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: