Posted on September 26, 2010 by jhcadm
Woodward M1 Rail
The latest on the status of the Woodward M1 Rail project. http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20100822/FREE/308229990
Woodward Light Rail Project Overview
Planning for a rapid transit system began in 2006 when the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) conducted an Alternatives Analysis (AA) study known as Detroit Transit Options for Growth Study (DTOGS). The study resulted in the selection of light rail service on Woodward from downtown to Eight Mile Road as the locally preferred alternative.
Subsequently, the Woodward light rail alternative was incorporated into the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) regional Transportation Improvement Plan and Long Range Transportation Plan.
At the same time, a group of business and civic leaders (M-1 RAIL) was exploring how to bring light rail service to Woodward Avenue as the first phase of a regional transit system. The M-1 RAIL and DTOGS plans are now aligned as the Woodward Light Rail project.
Light rail on Woodward will be implemented as a single project built in two phases. While a final schedule has yet to be developed, construction is anticipated to begin in 2011 on the first phase with the full system up and operational by 2016. The two phases are:
Phase 1: Downtown Detroit to West Grand Boulevard
- This phase is approximately 3.4 miles and will be advanced as expeditiously as possible with the necessary federal approvals.
Phase 2: West Grand Boulevard to Eight Mile Road
- Utilizing the same vehicles and maintenance facility as Phase 1, this portion of the project will complete Detroit’s initial light rail project and set the stage for future growth of the regional system.
(Excerpt from www.woodwardlightrail.com)
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