20250205-002: Austin Light Rail Update Presentation — original pdf

Backup

Austin Light Rail Progress Update FEBRUARY 5, 2025 Austin Light Rail Benefits of Light RailBenefits of Light Rail Light Rail in Other Cities Paris, France Seattle, Washington Phoenix, Arizona Minneapolis, Minnesota Austin Light Rail Austin Light Rail Phase 1 Light rail is an expandable electric train system designed for metropolitan areas, serving as an integral part of the transit network by connecting people to essential destinations where they live, work and play. Facts 15 STATIONS connecting points north, south and east of downtown Austin 9.8 MILES of light rail transit ~28,000 DAILY TRIPS on an average weekday Access to: 136K current jobs 200K+ future jobs Artist conceptual visualization Aerial view near Pleasant Valley station, showing a new shaded walk and bike path and how the line extends from the city center to East Riverside. EAST RIVERSIDE A new shaded walk and bike path along the line on East Riverside, designed to improve walkability. Artist conceptual visualization Artist conceptual visualization LIGHT RAIL ON EAST RIVERSIDE Aerial view near Pleasant Valley station, showing a new shaded walk and bike path and how the line extends from the city center to East Riverside. Artist conceptual visualization THE DRAG The station at UT on a typical game day with a redesigned and pedestrian-centric Guadalupe Street. Artist conceptual visualization OLTORF AT H-E-B The station at Congress and Oltorf near H-E-B, showing a new public plaza with shade trees and native plants. Artist conceptual visualization Austin Light Rail Proposed Light Rail Timeline Environmental Analysis Topics Environmental Analysis Topics Physical and Natural Environment Human Environment Air Quality Emissions, pollutants, greenhouse gases. Soils and Geologic Resources Geologic conditions, risk for erosion, and seismic hazards. Water Resources Surface waters, water quality, stormwater, safe drinking water, groundwater, and floodplains. Energy and Electromagnetic Fields Energy considerations and requirements. Hazardous Materials Presence of hazardous materials. Noise and Vibration Change in levels of noise or vibration. Wildlife and Habitat With particular attention to threatened and endangered species and local protection of heritage trees. Environmental Justice The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, national origin, or educational level, with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. Safety and Security Safety and security measures for construction and operation of the new service. Land Use and Zoning Land use patterns and compatibility with local land use plans and policies. Property Acquisitions Property needs that would require either temporary and permanent acquisitions. Transportation Roadway, transit, parking, sidewalk, and bicycle lane conditions. Socioeconomics Job creation and economic activity. Utilities Demand on utilities for electricity and coordination with utility companies. Cultural Environment Historic and Archeological Resources Historically significant buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts. Chapter 26, Section 4(f) and 6(f) Consideration of publicly owned facilities and parkland, as required by federal and state law. Neighborhoods and Community Resources Neighborhood cohesion and character, and community facilities. What We Studied Air Quality How would the construction and operation of light rail affect air quality? STUDY OUTCOMES KEY ATP PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES Reduced Vehicle Miles Traveled Annually, over 20 million fewer vehicle miles will be traveled, as more people transition to the newly available transit options. No Air Emissions During Operation Light rail vehicles are electric. Austin Prioritizes Clean Air The Austin area complies with all federal air quality standards designed to protect public health. During construction:  Increase in dust from construction activities.  Increase in emissions from machinery used during construction.  Temporary emissions from cars due to traffic conditions. ATP will require contractors to implement best management practices to minimize dust and emissions that might be caused by construction. What We Studied Trees What will happen to trees along the light rail? STUDY OUTCOMES KEY ATP PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES  A tree task force conducted an inventory of trees to determine the potential for preservation in the Project area.  Three-tiered strategy will be applied to trees within the limits of construction, which includes: w 245 Protected Trees 211 Heritage Trees It is anticipated that most of these trees can be preserved.  Continuing objective is to avoid tree removals or impacts through design.  Removed trees would be replaced per City Tree Ordinance and in consultation with City Arborist. Three-tiered strategy for trees: • Preserving all of the protected and heritage trees we can through the Project’s design. w • Transplanting protected and heritage trees that must be removed when feasible. • Planting more new trees than we remove along and near the alignment. Preserving Transplanting Planting What We Studied Transportation How would the construction and operation of light rail affect transportation in the area? STUDY OUTCOMES KEY ATP PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES  Improved travel times and reliability for transit users.  Added bike and pedestrian pathways.  Traffic analysis shows that many intersections are congested in the future regardless of whether light rail is built.  Temporary delays and/or detours to traffic (cars and buses) during construction. Areas along light rail where space is limited may result in:  Street network traffic pattern changes.  Bikeway relocations.  Reduced on-street parking.  Delay and congestion at certain intersections. Coordination between ATP and the City is critical to:  Manage traffic signals for safe and regulated integration of light rail vehicles with pedestrians, bikes and cars.  Plan for the overall transportation network through efforts like Austin Core Transportation (ACT) Plan. ATP will manage and proactively communicate temporary traffic changes during construction in partnership with other major projects. What We Studied Environmental Justice How will the Project benefit and support all neighboring communities around the light rail? Following the public comment period, FTA will make an Environmental Justice determination that considers the potential for disproportionate adverse impacts, offsetting benefits, and proposed mitigation. STUDY OUTCOMES Community Benefits  New affordable and reliable transportation options that connect existing and planned affordable housing to jobs, healthcare, shopping, and cultural centers.  Accessible stations and trains.  Create new job opportunities and career pathways in the infrastructure industry.  New and improved sidewalks and protected bike lanes associated with the Project. Potential for Adverse Impacts on EJ Communities • The indirect and cumulative effect of new development around the Project could accelerate gentrification trends. • Acquisitions and displacements required for the Project would occur in EJ areas as defined by Executive Order 12898. KEY ATP PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES Plan for the equitable integration of light rail into Austin:  Displacement Prevention Program administered by City.  Business Assistance Program.  Land Use Polices supporting affordable housing. What We Studied Socioeconomics Are there local and regional economic opportunities and challenges? STUDY OUTCOMES KEY ATP PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES ATP is working in regional partnerships to develop workforce development programs for local and regional residents to be trained and ready for job opportunities and career pathways resulting from the Project. During construction, an estimated: +7,250 JOBS from construction activities each year $589 MILLION annually in labor income Once light rail in in operation: +1,150 JOBS will be created each year in Travis County* *New and permanent jobs in operations, supply chain, and consumer spending What We Studied Temporary Construction Effects Impacts during construction were identified as a concern during scoping. This analysis summarizes the key impact topics across all the resource areas that were studied. STUDY OUTCOMES KEY ATP PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES Primary impacts generated during construction include:  Dust and light pollution.  Vehicle Emissions.  Noise and vibration.  Detours to traffic, sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails.  Proactive communication to regularly broadcast and maintain road, lane, and trail detours.  Limit nighttime construction in residential areas.  Follow best management practices in reducing dust and maintaining healthy floodplains.  Follow all local, state, and federal environmental laws and permit conditions.  Implement Business Assistance Program development in coordination with the affected communities to plan for and minimize impacts during construction.  Construction Partnership Program. What’s Next All comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement that are received by March 11, 2025, will be responded to in the Final Environmental Impact Statement. How can you comment? Call Us | (512) 389-7590 Visit Our Virtual Open House Email Us | input@atptx.org Mail Us | 203 Colorado St. Austin, TX 78701 austinlightrail.org/ austinlightrailinput Thank You.