University line takes “big step forward”

Enviromental process gets okay

Jon Boyd, Aug 01, 10.

METRO has received a Record of Decision (ROD) on the University light rail line, according to press release sent by the transit agency today. The Federal Transit Administration issues a ROD when it finds that the project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) is compliant with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

METRO announced last Thursday:

The NEW METRO has received good news in the form of a federal Record of Decision (ROD) on the University light-rail line, signifying final approval of the environmental review process on this 11.3-mile project. With this approval, METRO will continue to evolve the design, engineering, utility coordination, pre-construction planning work, and ongoing FTA coordination needed to go forward while renewing community outreach efforts to make sure the public continues to be engaged in this historic project.

The University light-rail line is part of a regional transit plan serving the area via 19 stations between the Hillcroft and Eastwood Transit Centers with stops near Greenway Plaza, the University of St. Thomas, Texas Southern University and UH Central Campus. This project is part of a five-line rail plan that includes the East End, North, Uptown and Southeast Lines. The East End, North, and Southeast lines are under construction, while the Uptown line is in the design phase.

METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia praised the ongoing efforts of Houston’s Congressional leaders for supporting rail expansion and working to secure federal funds. “The environmental approval on the University Line puts us one big step forward in the federal funding process,” Garcia said. “The Houston region owes a debt of gratitude to leaders like Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn, as well as Representatives Sheila Jackson Lee, Gene Green and Al Green for their tireless efforts to fund light rail expansion in Houston.”

George Greanias, Acting President and CEO of METRO, says the agency is committed to responsible stewardship of the public’s transit dollars. “We appreciate all the work required to win federal funding: from Congressional and community leaders to the METRO staff. Houston clearly needs the University Line as an East-West transit artery. We’re extremely gratified the FTA has taken a big step in advancing this important project.”

From the western terminus, the University line will operate along Westpark Drive, serving the Gulfton area, the most dense residential area in Texas. It will turn north onto Cummins with a grade separation over US 59, then make an eastbound turn onto Richmond, passing through Greenway Plaza, Upper Kirby, and the Montrose area, and continuing to the Wheeler Station and its junction with the Main Street line. With a connection at the Wheeler Station, the University line will provide easy access to Houston Community College, the Texas Medical Center, and downtown.

Eastbound from the Wheeler Station, the University line takes a circuitous route. Starting eastbound on Wheeler, the line turns north on Hutchins, east on Cleburne, north on Dowling, east on Alabama, north on Scott, east on Elgin, and finally under I-45 to the Eastwood Transit Center.

Research at Houston Tomorrow reveals that the 39 miles of light rail after the buildout of the University, Uptown, North, South, and Southeast lines will provide access to 478,000 jobs and draw 210,000 residents within walking distance of the stations. In addition, 180,000 students will be within walking distance of their campuses.

METRO estimates 49,000 daily boardings by 2030, according to the Houston Chronicle (via Off The Kuff).

Houston Tomorrow reported on the release of the University line FEIS in January. The FEIS is available at the METRO web site.