Q: Where will the Uptown Corridor be?

A: This locally funded alignment will be approximately 4 miles long, with eight stations throughout. It will begin in the area of Post Oak Boulevard and Westpark where it will intersect with the University light rail alignment. The northern terminus of the Uptown alignment will be at the Northwest Transit Center (see map).

Q: When will the construction take place?

A: Construction is expected to begin in 2010.

Q:Why is METRO planning for an Uptown Corridor?

The Uptown/Galleria area is the 17th largest business district in the country. The Uptown - West Loop Corridor is a portion of a much larger comprehensive transportation network that will provide transit interconnectivity around the city. The plan for the Uptown Corridor is that it will have interconnectivity with the University Corridor, which may connect through Greenway Plaza and include service to the University of St. Thomas, Texas Southern University and the University of Houston. The Uptown Corridor will also connect with the Northwest Transit Center which serves transferring commuters from 290 and I10. It will provide businesses along the corridor and their employees additional access to their locations and it will give area residents more transportation flexibility. Additionally, with more than double the number of hotel rooms as downtown Houston, it will benefit visitors to Houston who want to visit downtown as well as the Galleria area.

Q: What will the transit amenities and station locations look like?

A: Transit amenities and stations will be markedly different from your typical bus stops and shelters.  Stations will be covered areas with elevated platforms to facilitate easy boarding on and off the GRT vehicles similar to the METRORail stations. Stations are also planned to have off-vehicle ticket vending machines and rider information displays. The Art In Transit Program will provide architectural and public art enhancements to the facilities in partnership with the local community.

Q: What could METRO do to help mitigate impacts and assist businesses during construction?

A: Ensuring the continued success of businesses is of utmost importance to the success of this project. Mitigation measures are not "one-size-fits-all" and the implementation depends on case-by-case evaluations. However, METRO is committed to implement creative solutions, such as:

• Construction will be phased so as to minimize construction impacts. Rather than long stretches of a street under construction at the same time, segments of the street work will be completed in advance of moving to the next segment.
• Provide directional signage for customers and clients in order to make access clear and simple, and provide marketing support in the way of ads and flyers.
• Contractor can pave and maintain temporary driveways and walkways.
• METRO will pursue non-traditional ways to help promote businesses and ensure financial viability during the life of the project, and will respond to suggestions and needs of the community.

Q: Have there been any studies conducted on Uptown Corridor?

A: Yes. The Alternatives Analysis process was completed in 2003-2004. This document is available online.

Do you have a specific question that is not answered here? Submit your questions and comments to your local METRO Representative by clicking here.

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