From a Metro press release:
METRO construction crews began blasting through old asphalt and concrete on Harrisburg, just east of Oakhurst, on Houston’s East End last Friday. While utility work along the corridor has been ongoing since June of 2008, this is a milestone in the preparation of 3.3 miles of surface to carry light rail from Downtown to the Magnolia Transit Center – with a goal of connecting communities.
David Couch, Managing Director of METRO Solutions, who is supervising construction of three light rail extensions that will connect to the existing 7.5- mile downtown Red Line, said, “This is great news. Our engineers, crews, and staff have been working hard with the community and the city to make this happen. It is, literally, where the rail will meet the road and a milestone in the overall construction process.”
The work involves excavation and soil preparation for new pavement. This roadway will replace existing travel lanes and accommodate a guideway for the new light rail line. The work will continue, in segmented phases, as part of a continuing build out process.
The East End Line is expected to be completed in late Fall of 2013. The transit line is funded locally and rail cars will connect riders with destinations such as Magnolia Transit Center, Eastwood Park and Ripley House. Ridership is expected to be about 8,500 by the year 2015.
To find out more about METRO Rail and how your business or community can benefit from the light rail expansion program log on to www.GOMETRORail.org
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Comments
light rail on harrisburg
Please inform residents of the east end that 28 plus streets will be closed forever, from North to South, as Metro believes it is necessary for the safety of the community. The closures of course will increase more traffic in our neighborhoods, including the constant follow of 18 wheelers. This is not a good idea as we already have too many railroad crossings, and too many rail lines, and the fact that we have multiple schools along the route.
yay for Ripley House!
This will be great for our members at Ripley House neighborhood center.
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