Today, METRO unveiled the first substantial look at potential alignments for rail along the University Corridor, providing insights into potential lane configurations, right-of-way requirements and platform design.

"We have evaluated numerous alignments and are reporting on the six we consider to be more or less viable," said METRO Chairman David Wolff during today's news conference. "I believe we have done the right thing by taking neighborhood concerns seriously and developing alternatives and options that mitigate those concerns."

Addressing some of the biggest concerns of residents and business owners along Richmond, Wolff noted that, if the University Line were built straight out Richmond, no private property acquisitions would be needed west of Kirby, and just eight would be acquired for construction east of Kirby. Also:

• Approximately 82 partial properties would be needed, with about 52 of those 4 feet or less.
• No traffic lanes would be taken out.
• Most left turn movements would remain.
• Neighborhoods would not be closed off.
• The trees and esplanades west of Kirby would remain essentially untouched; however, the esplanade east of Kirby would be impacted.

"We continue to believe that Richmond is an attractive option because the ridership will be higher than on Westpark," Wolff said. "On the other hand, construction costs on Westpark would probably be less than Richmond."

METRO is continuing to take feedback from the public and is weighing this input carefully, Wolff said.

METRO will determine its preferred alignment by August 8. Final design and construction is scheduled to start by June 2008, with completion in 2012.

Construction of the line, as well as the other four in METRO Solutions Phase 2, is critical to Houston's economic future, Wolff said.

"Dallas just got $700 million to build out its light-rail line," Wolff said.

"This is a 100-year investment in Houston's future. We trust that the ultimate outcome will be determined by thoughtful consideration of all relevant facts and careful balancing of short-term issues and long-term needs.

"If we are going to retain our economic competitiveness, reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and provide affordable transportation alternatives we have to be successful in the near term in building out our public transit system."

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