Streetcar

[Tier2City]

Actually, Jacobs did meet with BNSF as part of the Hub Study. BNSF have indicated that their primary concern is that there be two dedicated freight tracks through the facility and this is provided for in the study recommendations. More specific details such as timetable pathing, crossing movements and need for second or third tracks in other areas along the BNSF line would be addressed in ACOG’s upcoming Regional Rail Alternatives Analysis.

[Just the facts]

Thanks Tier2City. That is great to hear. Now we just need to urbanize the entire viaduct like this:

[Spartan]

Kerry, I agree...but EKG is difficult to work with, there is not enough room I think to urbanize it, and space isn't enough of an issue to make that reasonable anyway. I myself would rather tackle a parking lot a block away than a grass strip up against the viaduct...but you have a point that it would definitely improve the environment tremendously.

Actually, Jacobs did meet with BNSF as part of the Hub Study. BNSF have indicated that their primary concern is that there be two dedicated freight tracks through the facility and this is provided for in the study recommendations. More specific details such as timetable pathing, crossing movements and need for second or third tracks in other areas along the BNSF line would be addressed in ACOG’s upcoming Regional Rail Alternatives Analysis.

Right, and we also saw how the current capacity up there is sufficient but it isn't until capacity is expanded for commuter and Amtrak that more tracks are necessary. It looks like a good deal. I remember a few months ago there were some concerns voiced about whether Santa Fe Depot could handle the traffic of a complete transit system, but it looks like it will do just fine.

[Just the facts]

Kerry, I agree...but EKG is difficult to work with, there is not enough room I think to urbanize it, and space isn't enough of an issue to make that reasonable anyway. I myself would rather tackle a parking lot a block away than a grass strip up against the viaduct...but you have a point that it would definitely improve the environment tremendously.

EKG is only one side. The other side is Bricktown and there is plenty of room on that side. It would make some really cool urban space.

[Urban Pioneer]

Oklahoma City Urban Renewal approves development contract for MidTown housing
The Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority approved a redevelopment agreement with Gary Brooks for construction of a $28.2 million, 250-unit complex on the former site of Mercy Hospital in MidTown.

BY STEVE LACKMEYER Slackmeyer@opubco.com
Published: August 11, 2011

"and redesigning the corner at NW 13 and Dewey to allow for easier right turns for downtown's future streetcar system."

Read more:
http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-urba...adlines_widget


This is very helpful. The concerns raised by Committee Members are seemingly being addressed.

[Urban Pioneer]

The next Maps 3 Transit Meeting is this coming Wednesday, August 24th, at 420 Main on the 10th floor.

Slated on the agenda is general updates on all aspects of the streetcar project including the latest estimated time table.

[Skyline]

Urban ..... can you give us the (8/22/2011) up to date version of the future streetcar route??

[Urban Pioneer]

Urban ..... can you give us the (8/22/2011) up to date version of the future streetcar route??

The best place to look at the current route that has gone before the City Council is here on Steve's blog-

http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/20...eetcar-system/

To answer you as to where we are today. The map on the blog is not the final route, nor does it depict "Phase 2" of the Maps 3 Transit Subcommittee. It does however define what is Phase 1, the "Bricktown to Midtown" streetcar transit spine on which Environment Analysis and Engineering is about to commence.

Main streets to note:

North on Robinson
West on 11th
North on Dewey
East on 13th
South on Broadway

Sheridan plays a key role

Decisions as to whether the "return" is Reno or the OKC Boulevard has yet to be determined as we await data on the bridge and alternatives costs.


Hope this helps.

[Skyline]

Thanks for the info.

[okcboy]

Now that the site study is approved and we have a location, budget, timeline, and renderings...How does all of this compare to other hub facilities that have been developed around the country in the last ten years?

[Just the facts]

Will $20 million get the streetcar all the way to the Capitol?

[OKC@heart]

I don't know if this is what you were alluding to in you're post but I for one would like to see the additional $30 Million that was set aside for the substation relocation in conjunction with the Convention center to be applied to expanding on the Street Car system. This along with the additional matching that it would then qualify us for from the Gov't and we would be way ahead with a system that was viable and contributes to the way people in the core move about!

[Just the facts]

Yes, that is what I was alluding to. There have been lots of statements by council members that they would like to get 2 or 3 more miles in the initial streetcar phase. $20 million would do that. I figure $10 million ought to cover the expense for covering up the substation.

[Larry OKC]

Urban, betts or anyone else involved with the Streetcars:

It was mentioned by the Consultant and Councilman Ryan at this last Council meeting that contingency amounts are already built into each of the MAPS 3 budgets. As far as I know, this is the first mention of this. What contingency amount is built into the Streetcar budget? Is it at least the 8% avg that long term projects like this typically exceed?

[Larry OKC]

Yes, that is what I was alluding to. There have been lots of statements by council members that they would like to get 2 or 3 more miles in the initial streetcar phase. $20 million would do that. I figure $10 million ought to cover the expense for covering up the substation.

Easily. C.M. Couch stated that they thought they could screen the substation (perhaps with a stacked stone) for $300 to $400K. The total cost of doing that along with the transmission lines, is thought to be $5 million. He pointed out that the $5 million shouldn't be entirely on the City and/or MAPS but should be shared with OG&E. He went on to say whatever split would have to be negotiated.

[Skyline]

Question;

Which does downtown Oklahoma City see first?.............(A) The maps3 streetcar up and running it's downtown route?....... OR..........(B) The NEXT 35+ story downtown high rise tower under construction?

[dankrutka]

I'd take option B if you lowered the floors to 35. Otherwise, I'll take A.

[Skyline]

Done! Good Choice!

[Just the facts]

Question;

Which does downtown Oklahoma City see first?.............(A) The maps3 streetcar up and running it's downtown route?....... OR..........(B) The NEXT 35+ story downtown high rise tower under construction?

We are what, at least 4 years from the first passenger? I am going with B. Once they start laying track I think you will be amazed at how much construction activity takes off along the route.

[MDot]

I personally think that we'll see A before we see B. I think we'll see a few highrises before the streetcar is up and running it's downtown route but I doubt it'll be quite 35 stories. Hopefully that's just me being a Debbie Downer and we'll see 1,2, or even 3 highrises 35+ stories between now and then.

[Just the facts]

I personally think that we'll see A before we see B. I think we'll see a few highrises before the streetcar is up and running it's downtown route but I doubt it'll be quite 35 stories. Hopefully that's just me being a Debbie Downer and we'll see 1,2, or even 3 highrises 35+ stories between now and then.

A decent residential tower will hit 35 stories and a convention hotel will probably hit that number as well. Class A vacancy is pretty tight and Sandridge already has plans (at least so we think) for an additional tower.

[MDot]

^^That is true. Silly me, didn't consider the stuff we already knew or pretty much know but can still be put in that speculative category. Lol so I guess my opinion has been completely changed. That's twice tonight JTF, that you have brought something to my attention that I seemed to have forgotten. Lol

[Just the facts]

^^That is true. Silly me, didn't consider the stuff we already knew or pretty much know but can still be put in that speculative category. Lol so I guess my opinion has been completely changed. That's twice tonight JTF, that you have brought something to my attention that I seemed to have forgotten. Lol

OKC has a lot going on - you can't be expected to remember everything.

[Cocaine]

so why is a transportation hub or commuter rail well mostly commuter rail even in this project wouldn't it be more important to improve the bus system

[Spartan]

The bus system is broken though.