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Post by bobdavis on Jan 24, 2009 20:47:37 GMT -8
I drive I-215 every weekend (going to OERM). Today I noticed what appeared to be surveyor stakes along the present track near March Field. Most likely this track will be salvaged and replaced by 119 lb. welded rail with concrete ties. Also, the building supply business across the track from the recently refurbished Perris depot is long gone, presumably making way for a parking lot or structure.
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Post by nickv on Jan 27, 2009 9:45:19 GMT -8
I-15 Corridor: RCTC is working on an I-15 Commuter Rail Feasibility.
I-215 Corridor: As most of us are aware, California voters passed bond Measure 1A which will provide funding for CA HSR. Within Riverside County, UC Riverside, Moreno Valley, and Temecula/Murrieta will be linked together with the HSR system. Link to Discussion Posts
RTA has plans to study possible BRT (go to PDF Page 89) for I-15 and I-215 for FY 2010-2011. Right now, RTA CommuterLink buses serve these corridors during rush hours.
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Post by spokker on Jan 27, 2009 10:22:03 GMT -8
The biggest obstacle is noise according to this article. But officials don't think it will stop the project. Residents can voice concerns about Metrolink extension next month By DUG BEGLEY The Press-Enterprise
Any environmental impacts caused by extending Metrolink service to Perris via tracks that follow Interstate 215 through eastern Riverside can be mitigated, according to a report by the Riverside County Transportation Commission.
The report, released Wednesday, outlines the environmental impacts the commuter rail extension would cause. Most are minor, since the route follows an existing rail line still used by freight railroads.
Two meetings scheduled for next month will give residents a chance to discuss the report, and air their concerns.
Residents who live near the proposed Perris Valley Line Metrolink extension will have a chance to air their concerns at two meetings in February. Sound from the trains is the biggest barrier officials must address, the report found. While the noise is considered a potentially significant impact, officials have said walls erected to keep the sound from echoing into neighborhoods will mitigate the impact.
But residents in the neighborhood around UC Riverside remain opposed to Metrolink trains coming through the area. Since 2006, residents have urged officials not to allow the commuter trains to use the tracks because they are close to homes and will cause air-quality problems, noise disturbances and potential safety concerns for children.
A Metrolink station planned in the neighborhood on Watkins Drive, between Blaine Street and Valencia Hill Drive, will have no parking included in the project because neighbors worried about traffic in the area. Concerns that university students would flock to the parking lot for free parking were also discussed.
Because of the lack of parking, officials might issue permits to neighborhood residents to monitor parking, the report said. The report also noted some possible impacts to sensitive areas, mainly at the southern end of the 24-mile route. While significant, transportation officials do not think the impacts will be enough to derail the project.
The report, called an initial study/mitigated negative declaration, isn't as comprehensive as the reports required for major road projects, explained Riverside County Transportation Commission deputy director John Standiford. Because the rail project isn't as intrusive, the lesser report is needed, but still addresses similar issues required to receive federal money.
The $168 million project is slated to get $75 million from federal coffers.
Standiford said the project could get a bit of a boost from the proposed federal stimulus package under consideration. If a premium is placed on long-term projects that reduce congestion on area roads, adding commuter trains could apply.
Officials also noted that air quality in the area would improve by taking automobiles off the road in favor of the trains, which pollute less than cars.
The California Public Interest Research Group, a nonpartisan agency urging more focus on public transportation as part of the stimulus, estimates the Perris Valley Line could create 2,440 construction-related jobs and $14 million in state and local tax revenue.
Workers started construction on a downtown Perris station offering bus and train service late last year. Crews could begin some facets of the project this year. Service on the line isn't expected to begin until 2011.
Reach Dug Begley at 951-368-9475 or dbegley@PE.com
Meeting Info A public meeting and a public hearing are planned to let residents asks questions about the proposed Perris Valley Line Metrolink extension, and comment on the plan.
Public meeting 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 4 TownGate Community Center, Banquet Hall, 13100 Arbor Park Lane, Moreno Valley
Public hearing 9:30 a.m. Feb. 11 Riverside County Administrative Center, 4080 Lemon St., Riverside
Source: Riverside County Transportation Commission
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