Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), the provider of transportation service and facilities to the Hampton Roads community in Virginia, has released the projected capital costs of $243.1 million for a 3.5 mile extension of The Tide light rail service. The costs were according to HRT, the City of Virginia Beach and the engineering firms hired to develop the project.
The extension will add light rail from Newtown Road to Virginia Beach Town Center with three new stations at Witchduck Road, Kellam Road and Constitution Drive. A new park and ride will be built at the Constitution Drive Station, and a new eastbound platform would be constructed at Newtown Road.
“This study represents the collaborative work of many talented engineers and planners,” stated William E. Harrell, HRT president and CEO. “I am thrilled to present the preliminary engineering to the public and confident the information represents a comprehensive assessment of what it will take to extend The Tide into Town Center.”
The projected costs include three new light rail vehicles; a bus transfer facility at Constitution Drive; three bridges; nine at-grade crossings; six signalized intersections, and major utility relocations. The project calls for bridges over Witchduck Road, Independence Boulevard and Market Street. The rail track would be elevated from Independence east to Market and then return to grade and end at Constitution. A 42’’ water main in Virginia Beach used for transmission and distribution towers for Dominion Power needs to be relocated.
The preliminary engineering includes design drawings to a 30 percent level, projected costs of major utility relocations, the legal rights of way to build the project, and the professional engineering services necessary to manage and construct the project.
HRT will now provide bridging documents to Virginia Beach in preparation for final design and construction. Operation and Maintenance estimates and a request for proposals from Virginia Beach to begin the design build process will soon be provided. HRT will act as a partner and technical advisor to the project.
The figures are the result of 15 months of work by the cities, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, and Light Rail Partners, a partnership of RK&K and STV.